Once again, Essex will miss out.
The Government has announced that Regional Mayors will sit alongside national politicians on the National Economic Council, helping to shape decisions intended to drive local economic growth.
But Greater Essex will not have a Mayor at that table.
Had the Government not changed course on devolution, Greater Essex would already have a Mayor by now. Instead, we have to wait until 2028.
That means decisions affecting transport, housing, skills, infrastructure and investment risk being made without Essex having a mayoral voice in the room.
This is exactly why mayors matter.
Essex needs a seat at the table
A Mayor should be a strong voice for their area, making sure national decision-makers understand what local businesses and communities need to succeed.
Moving a Government office 200 miles north, however, is little more than gesture politics. Socialist, high-tax, anti-growth policies do not suddenly become pro-growth because they are discussed in a different postcode.
What matters is the policy itself — and whether it creates the conditions for businesses to invest, expand and create jobs.
Unlocking Essex’s economic potential
Essex has huge potential.
We have world-class businesses, international gateways, thriving ports, the £1 billion expansion of Stansted Airport and one of the strongest local economies in the country.
But fulfilling that potential requires leadership and investment.
As Mayor, I would be pushing for the A12 and A120 upgrades, action to address constraints on energy supplies, expanded support for our Freeports and ports, powers over the franchising of bus services, and a stronger skills pipeline connecting businesses with our colleges, universities and apprenticeships.
And that is only the beginning.
These are the practical issues that determine whether businesses choose to invest here, whether people can access good jobs and whether our economy can continue to grow.
A Mayor who will fight for Essex
Greater Essex needs a Mayor prepared to fight for better infrastructure, stronger skills and the investment our economy needs.
But local leadership also needs to be matched by a Government willing to back that ambition.
That means cutting taxes and welfare, reducing the size of the state, stripping away unnecessary red tape, supporting inward investment and creating the conditions in which businesses can confidently invest, expand and create well-paid jobs.
Essex has the businesses, the people, the connections and the ambition to succeed.
What it needs is a strong voice fighting its corner.
That is the leadership I intend to provide as Mayor — fighting every day to unlock Greater Essex’s full potential and bring growth and prosperity back to our county.