A crunch vote which will shape Norfolk's political future is due next week - but there are calls for the decision to be put on hold.

Norfolk County Council is set to meet on Tuesday, July 23, to vote on changing its governance to allow a directly-elected council leader from next May - a key requirement of the £600m devolution deal the previous Conservative government offered the county.

Norfolk County Council's County Hall headquartersNorfolk County Council's County Hall headquarters (Image: Mike Page)

But, with the new Labour government trumpeting "the most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen", there have been calls for the vote to be put on hold, to establish if a better deal can be secured.

Brian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrats at Norfolk County CouncilBrian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrats at Norfolk County Council (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Brian Watkins, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group, said: "It would clearly be sensible to pause at this time.

"It doesn't mean devolution is dead. But we want to make this the best deal for the people of Norfolk and if that means we need a little more time to have discussions with the new government, we must do that."

Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group at Norfolk County CouncilSteve Morphew, leader of the Labour group at Norfolk County Council (Image: Denise Bradley)

Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group, said: "It would be premature and foolish to rush into a decision when there is still plenty of time, even within the existing timetable, to get a better deal."

Kay Mason BilligKay Mason Billig (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Council leader Kay Mason Billig has written to deputy prime minister Angela Rayner to seek a government commitment to the deal and hopes there will be further clarity before next week.

The county deal, agreed in principle in December 2022, includes an investment fund of £20m a year for 30 years, control of the £12m budget for adult education, and £7m to kickstart housing on brownfield sites.

Angela RaynerAngela Rayner

Mrs Mason Billig said: "We are due to discuss the changes needed to move to an elected leader system next week, but are hoping to receive further clarity from ministers before then, so we can make an informed decision on the way forward for Norfolk.

"We remain firmly committed to delivering devolution and will work with the new government to deliver the best deal for our residents."