John Spence: Local government reorganisation in Essex

John Spence came to speak to us about local government reorganisation in Essex. One question in everyone’s mind may have been “Will it happen?” John thought so, but not necessarily in this parliament.

The overlying principle is to divide Essex into regions, each with its own elected mayor with executive powers. All our current mayors are strictly ceremonial and expected to refrain from politics in their mayoral years.

There are two main plans under consideration, one to divide Essex into three and the other to divide it into five. John felt that it would be best if Essex was divided into as few regions as practicable. Both plans call for the map Essex be divided horizontally. In both versions Chelmsford would be linked with Maldon plus other areas.

John expects the implementation of the final plan to start with the establishment of the regions and the election of councils for them, with mayors being elected later.