A Conservative MP has questioned whether the £600m devolution deal for the county can "deliver the boldness Norfolk needs".
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman expressed concern over the county deal which the government has offered, having described it last week as an "important first step".
The deal would hand extra money, including a £20m a year investment fund, and transfer Whitehall powers to a directly-elected leader of Norfolk County Council.
Andrew Proctor, leader of the council has said the deal will help boost the economy through jobs, training, housing and development and better transport, while business leaders have also welcomed it.
The deal would also include control of the £10m budget for adult education, £7m for brownfield development, which could see sites in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn developed, plus £5.9m for housing, regeneration and development.
But it has prompted a backlash among critics, including among some leading Conservatives.
And Mr Freeman, who is currently on ministerial business in Japan, has questioned whether the deal is the right one for Norfolk.
He tweeted: "Having had a chance to read the devo detail in detail and talk to local councillors and residents over the weekend, I'm not convinced this deal can deliver the boldness Norfolk needs.
"The governance looks unstable, the freedoms few and the financial gain small."
Having had a chance to read the Devo deal in detail & talk to local councillors & residents over the weekend, I’m not convinced this deal can deliver the boldness Norfolk needs.
— George Freeman MP (@GeorgeFreemanMP) December 12, 2022
The governance looks unstable, the freedoms few & the financial gain small. https://t.co/kEtlwTT5Va
Last week, when the proposed deal was announced, but the text of the deal had not been made available, Mr Freeman had said it was "an important first step towards Norfolk being able to take back control from London".
But the subsequent expression of concern by science minister Mr Freeman is in contrast to fellow government minister Lee Rowley's enthusiasm for the deal.
When the housing minister visited Norwich on Thursday (December 8) to sign an 'in-principle' deal with council leader Andrew Proctor, he said it would lead to growth and job creation from Wymondham to Wells-next-the-Sea.
The deal will need to go through various council processes and Parliament before it is enacted.
Public consultation is also due to take place next year.
READ MORE: Norfolk devolution deal revealed and county set for 'mayor'
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