MESSAGES from Westminster this evening (Wednesday, 3 December) suggest that the government has postponed devolution - meaning elections for new county mayors in many parts of the country, including Essex, which were scheduled for May 2026 will now take place in 2028.

Thurrock Nub News understands electoral officers making plans for polls next year have been told to halt the process.

Nub News has spoken to senior political figures who have confirmed the delay.

However, no-one seems to know what will be happening to scheduled local councils.

In Thurrock all 49 council seats are due to be contested.

A statement has been promised tomorrow from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

East Thurrock and South Basildon independent MP James McMurdock says he has not been briefed but said: "If this is true then it just shows what a disorganised bunch we have in Westminster who can't make their minds up about anything.

"This government seems incapable of effective governance."

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The borough's other MP, Labour's Jen Craft, has declined to comment.