Norfolk council leader pulls out of long-awaited devolution deal over election U-turn

Kay Mason Billig accuses Steve Reed of forcing council to agree to poll delay in return for extra funding and powers

What made ministers think they could delay local elections?

A Norfolk council leader has accused the government of bullying" her local authority into postponing elections in return for extra funding and powers, as she pulled out of long-awaited devolution deal for the county.

Kay Mason Billig, the Conservative leader of Norfolk county council, said she would no longer take part in local government reorganisation (LGR) or devolution plans in the area, saying the council could not participate in that and simultaneously hold elections.