The increasingly-charged political row over Norfolk's devolution deal has taken a further twist - with some of the county's MPs unhappy at the package on the table.

MPs, including former prime minister Liz Truss, are not convinced that the £620m county deal which Conservative-controlled Norfolk County Council has negotiated with the government, is the best way forward for the county.

Eastern Daily Press: Former prime minister Liz Truss has raised concerns about Norfolk's devolution dealFormer prime minister Liz Truss has raised concerns about Norfolk's devolution deal (Image: Press Association)

They have organised a 'summit' meeting next Thursday, also involving members of the county and district councils, where it is understood they will exert pressure for a rethink over the deal.

South West Norfolk MP Ms Truss, in her January update to constituents, expressed her dissatisfaction with the currently proposed deal.

She said: "I have spoken with county and district leaders, and my colleagues in Norfolk, about the proposed deal.

"I remain concerned about the lack of borough and district council involvement in the negotiations and the deal’s governance model.

"We need collaborative and accountable governance with fully devolved and integrated powers. Without these changes, Norfolk cannot take control of its own destiny."

Richard Bacon, South Norfolk MP, said: "All Norfolk MPs are collaborating over the devolution deal. I back reform, but whether it is this reform is a different matter.

"Liz has been leading a group of Norfolk MPs, where we are seeking to find a solution which everyone is happy with."

The deal offered to the county council, after months of negotiations with the government, would mean extra money, including a £20m a year investment fund, for 30 years.

Powers would be devolved from Whitehall to the county council, with the authority getting control of the £10m budget for adult education, £7m for brownfield development, plus £5.9m for housing, regeneration and development.

Eastern Daily Press: Andrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County CouncilAndrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County Council (Image: Norfolk County Council)

It also includes a directly-elected leader of Norfolk County Council. That is a different model to a number of devolution deals in other parts of the country, where directly-elected mayors oversee combined authorities.

But Andrew Proctor, the Conservative leader of County Hall has hailed it as "a prize worth fighting for" and says it will unlock even more opportunities in the future.

However, district council leaders in Conservative-controlled South Norfolk, Breckland and Broadland and Liberal Democrat-run North Norfolk have sought a legal challenge over the way negotiations have been handled - arguing they have not been properly involved.

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman has also expressed reservations. Having initially welcomed it as an "important first step", he then said: "I'm not convinced this deal can deliver the boldness Norfolk needs.

"The governance looks unstable, the freedoms few and the financial gain small."

Eastern Daily Press: Mid Norfolk MP George FreemanMid Norfolk MP George Freeman (Image: Archant)

And the MPs want to speak to the county and the districts about the way forward at next week's meeting - which could see pressure exerted for a different deal.

With six weeks of public consultation due to begin next week, John Fuller, the Conservative leader of South Norfolk Council and a fierce critic of the current deal, said that should be paused, pending the discussions with MPs.

Eastern Daily Press: John Fuller, leader of South Norfolk CouncilJohn Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

He said: "This is the most significant change in governance in the county for 50 years and we want a deal which is the best for Norfolk as a county.

"Whatever your views on devolution there is just not enough detail for this to be able to go out to consultation next week.

"I am calling for the consultation to be delayed until after this meeting with the MPs.

"It seems premature to commence consultation when that meeting could lead to a change in direction."

However, Norfolk County Council intends to begin its consultation as planned.

Eastern Daily Press: County council leader Andrew Proctor and government minister Lee Rowley sign the in-principle devolution dealCounty council leader Andrew Proctor and government minister Lee Rowley sign the in-principle devolution deal (Image: Dan Grimmer)

Mr Proctor said the devolution negotiations had followed the structure as set out by the government.

He said: "The deal is an 'in-principe' one and there are still opportunities around it. If MPs want to talk to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the government about improving the deal, I welcome that. It is their job to advocate for Norfolk."