Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner confirmed Norfolk and Suffolk were among six areas given a "fast track ticket to devolution" - the transfer of powers from Westminster to the regions.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner (Image: Press Association)

But that will also trigger a process which will pave the way for councils to be abolished and replaced, the creation of a mayor covering the two counties and the postponement of this summer's county council elections.

The government will now lay legislation to cancel May's County Hall elections, while consultation will take place over a Norfolk and Suffolk mayor, ahead of the first election due next year.

Norfolk County Council's County Hall headquarters (Image: Mike Page)

The shake-up will also see the current system of two tiers of councils - where counties and the district, borough and city councils provide different services - scrapped in favour of unitary authorities, which would provide all........

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