The Labour government has announced that Kent will not be “fast-tracked” for a mayor and devolution.
The Kent County Council elections are now set to go ahead as planned in May.
Reacting to the news, the leader of Kent County Council, Roger Gough said: “I am astonished by this decision and bitterly disappointed that residents and businesses of Kent have been let down by the Government and will not be able to benefit from the increased monies, powers and opportunities promised through devolution”.
The Kent County Council election will see people in Southborough voting in the Tunbridge Wells North ward, which elected Conservative Peter Oakford by a margin of 80 votes over Labour in May 2021.
Neighbouring counties of Surrey, Sussex and Essex were all put in the “fast track” which means that their county elections this year will be cancelled, as they would be for authorities due to be quickly abolished in favour of new authorities.
When they eventually happen, residents in Southborough are expected to have one “unitary” authority for West Kent to provide all the services now provided by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council.
That includes social care, transport, education, planning and refuse. Southborough Town Council will continue to look after Southborough’s parks and common land.
