A key step in the process to allow Norfolk to secure the controversial multi-million-pound devolution deal - and a public vote on who should lead the county council - has been taken.

County Hall leaders said the 'eyes of Westminster' are on Norfolk over the devolution of powers from central government to Norfolk County Council via an agreement known as the county deal.

That deal with the government would see the council get an investment fund of £600m over 30 years, and the public given a vote on a directly-elected leader for Norfolk County Council.

Eastern Daily Press: County Hall in NorwichCounty Hall in Norwich (Image: Mike Page)

At a meeting on Monday (June 5), the Conservative-controlled council agreed to submit the results of public consultation on the deal to the government, which will trigger legislation to enable the deal to be put into place.

That consultation found many of the policies, including having financial responsibilities devolved from government to County Hall, had broad support. 

But people were split on the need for a directly elected Norfolk County Council leader - who would not have the same powers as high-profile mayors in places like Manchester – with 31pc disagreeing with the role and a further 17pc unsure. 

Some 1,211 people and organisations responded to the consultation.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk County Council leader Kay Mason BilligNorfolk County Council leader Kay Mason Billig (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Council leader Kay Mason Billig has previously said negotiations over the specifics of the deal will continue.

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

At Monday's meeting her deputy Andrew Jamieson said: "The eyes of Westminster are upon Norfolk and we are engaging in areas for the benefit of Norfolk residents."

Ultimately, the decision over whether to change the way the council operates - with a switch to a directly-elected leader - rests with the county council.

The deal would falter if that is not agreed and there has been criticism of the arrangement which had been negotiated.

John Fuller, Conservative leader at South Norfolk Council, slammed the deal as "half-baked", while opposition leaders at County Hall have questioned whether it is good enough to support.