A Mayor for Essex: What It Means for Colchester and Our Communities

Big changes could be coming to Essex—and they’re all about giving local people more say over the things that matter most.

Pam Cox, MP for Colchester, has welcomed plans for Greater Essex to elect its first-ever Mayor in May 2026, as part of the Government’s push to devolve more powers from Westminster to local areas.

If approved by local councils, the new Mayor will lead a Mayoral Strategic Authority with control over key areas like transport, housing, skills, and economic development—bringing decisions and funding closer to home.

“This is a real opportunity for Essex to take control of its future,” said Pam. “Decisions about jobs, investment, transport and homes should be made here in our county—not in Whitehall.”

Pam has been actively involved in shaping the discussions, making sure Colchester plays a leading role in how the new system will work for North East Essex.

Why It Matters

Across England, metro mayors have already shown how local leadership can make a big difference:

• In Manchester, the mayor introduced a London-style bus system with local control over routes and fares.

• In the West Midlands, the mayor expanded the tram network and launched major housing projects.

• In Tees Valley, the mayor attracted investment in green energy and created thousands of jobs.

Essex could soon have similar powers—tailored to the needs of both urban and rural communities. Long-term funding is part of the deal, and the new mayor would be directly elected and accountable to voters.

“We’ve seen what’s possible elsewhere in the country,” Pam said. “Now it’s Essex’s turn.”

What Happens Next?

Local councils will continue to run services like libraries, parks, social care and recycling. But the new mayor would take on bigger strategic decisions—cutting through bureaucracy and helping Essex move forward with a clear, united voice.

There are also separate discussions happening about how many councils Essex should have in future, but those are still ongoing.

Pam Cox MP added:

“With the right leadership and local input, we can deliver real improvements for Colchester and communities across Essex.”