Following an extraordinary council meeting held earlier today (10 January), Essex County Council, alongside Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council, will write to the government to request inclusion on the government’s Priority Programme for devolution. The councils will now formally put a request to the Minister for Local Government to be part of the Programme, which includes a commitment to local government reorganisation. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council will also request the postponement of elections scheduled for May this year in their areas. Southend-on-Sea City Council has no planned elections for 2025. Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor Kevin Bentley, said: "Following today’s debate, we are one step closer in our ambition to bring devolution to Essex, and I want to express my gratitude to all the councillors who contributed. "Today's meeting showed that despite our differing political views, we all want to make Essex as great as it can be for our residents and businesses. "Devolution is key to making this happen. It presents us with an opportunity for growth and productivity across the county like no other. "I would also like to thank our partners in Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council for their continued collaboration. Together, we are embarking on a journey that will transform Essex for the better.” The councils will now wait to hear from the government on whether Greater Essex has been accepted as part of the Priority Programme for Devolution. More details on Devolution can be found here: essex.gov.uk/about-council/p…