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Greater Essex deal: Mark Francois MP criticises 'white elephant'

UK Parliament Mark FrancoisUK Parliament
Mark Francois said a combined authority would mean "more bureaucracy and more council tax" in Essex

A long-serving Conservative MP has criticised his local Tory-run county council for pursuing a "white elephant" devolution deal for Essex.

Proposals for a new Greater Essex Combined Authority have been put forward to central government.

Supporters said it would mean a better skills policy in Essex and more power over local transport decisions.

However, Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh & Wickford, told the House of Commons there was "no demand" for it.

Essex County Council has been finalising the proposals with the two unitary authorities of Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council, and a deal could be announced in the Treasury's Autumn Statement on 22 November.

A combined authority would run alongside the existing county council, unitary council and district council system.

Mr Francois told the Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young that he and other MPs "were overwhelmingly against" it.

"The people of Essex do not want this ridiculous white elephant," he said.

"There is no demand from them. This is all being brought about by some highly ambitious Essex county councillors and some officers who think they would do well out of it."

The Tory MP followed his comments by telling BBC Essex that a combined authority would mean more politicians and "more bureaucracy and more council tax".

Simon Dedman/BBC Kevin Bentley at Essex County CouncilSimon Dedman/BBC
Kevin Bentley, pictured at a meeting earlier this year, said the devolution proposal was "not about arrogance"

Essex County Council leader Kevin Bentley responded at a full council meeting that afternoon and said: "When it comes to devolution, it's all about helping people; it's not about arrogance."

Unlike combined authorities in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, Essex would not have a mayor under the plans.

Getty Images Chelmsford aerial viewGetty Images
Essex County Council said the deal would mean more money for local people, including in the county town Chelmsford (pictured)

Mr Bentley has previously promised a combined authority would mean more job creation and an investment fund as part of the deal.

Liberal Democrat opposition leader Mike Mackrory also told Tuesday's county council meeting that he was "relieved that the Essex MPs scuppered any chance of an elected mayor".

The Labour group leader Ivan Henderson said that if his party won the next general election, there would be discussions with council leaders over what powers they needed "to deliver locally".

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