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Mayoral Elections in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk Postponed Until 2028

Plans for mayoral elections in Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk have been postponed until 2028, prompting criticism from political candidates and parties. The elections, originally scheduled for May, will now be delayed as the government seeks to complete local government reorganisation before the new mayors take office.

Louise McKinlay, Conservative candidate for Greater Essex, said the delay “strips our country” of leadership and investment, claiming that Labour is “putting party before country.” She added: “This is the biggest change to local government since the 1970s and Labour’s approach has been chaotic from day one: Rushed deadlines, last-minute decisions, and now this.” McKinlay called on Labour to reverse the decision, saying “our residents deserve better.”

The postponement has also drawn criticism from the Green Party. Caroline Topping, Green candidate for Suffolk and Norfolk, expressed frustration that candidates learned of the delay through the media. She said: “Why hasn’t someone from government contacted the candidates and told us? It’s a joke. It’s very disheartening for all the people being employed and the hours of work that’s gone in.” Topping emphasised the importance of devolving powers from Westminster to local populations.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Zoe Franklin said her party will push for the elections to go ahead in 2026, adding: “Democracy delayed is democracy denied.”

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice described the decision as a “deliberate, dictatorial cancelling of democracy.” The postponement also affects mayoral elections for Hampshire and the Solent, and Sussex and Brighton.

Southend-on-Sea City Council’s Labour leader Daniel Cowan acknowledged the delay, stating the local authority had been prepared to deliver the election. He said: “We accept the government’s desire to slow that part of the programme down to make sure devolution is delivered in the right way.” Cowan added that funding and powers for the combined authority would be made available “relatively shortly,” allowing local leaders to work on “strategic growth priorities of Greater Essex” and lay the groundwork for the 2028 election.

Political analysts note that the legislation to create directly-elected mayors has yet to pass through the House of Commons. Andrew Sinclair, BBC East political editor, highlighted that local government reorganisation, which would see county and district councils replaced by unitary authorities, is also underway. He said synchronising these changes with the elections makes administrative sense, but added: “That won’t stop a lot of people crying foul.”

The decision has generated frustration among candidates and local officials, many of whom had already invested time and resources in campaigning and staffing for the planned elections. The postponement raises questions about the future of devolved powers and the timing of democratic processes in these regions.

Lanpro Secures Private Equity Backing to Expand Environmental Planning Services

FRP Corporate Finance has advised a specialist planning and environmental consultancy on securing private equity investment to support its expansion across the UK.

Lanpro Services, founded in 2008, provides planning, environmental and design consultancy services from offices in Norwich, Cambridge, York and London. The business employs 85 staff and has been involved in major projects, including the Energy Innovation Park in Norwich, the regeneration of Kingston-Upon-Thames town centre, and various residential schemes.

As part of its growth strategy, Lanpro has acquired planning specialist CarneySweeney, whose 35-strong team will extend Lanpro’s reach into Wales, the South West and West Midlands. While retaining its independent brand, CarneySweeney will benefit from Lanpro’s additional resources and investment.

The transaction was backed by Horizon Capital, a private equity firm that has acquired a majority stake in Lanpro for an undisclosed value. The deal represents a step in Lanpro’s plan to become one of the UK’s largest independent multi-disciplinary environmental planning consultancies over the next five years through both organic growth and further acquisitions.

FRP Corporate Finance’s Norwich team, led by partners Dave Howes and Ryan Symonds, along with director Matt Field and assistant manager Cameron Robertson, acted as advisers throughout the process. They helped structure the transaction, managed negotiations, and coordinated due diligence.

Dave Howes said: “The appetite amongst private equity for high-quality and ready to scale professional services businesses remains strong. Lanpro is a great example of this – it’s a firm with a talented and ambitious management team that has demonstrated an intention to scale nationally. This investment provides the group with the platform, capital and strategic backing needed to accelerate its buy-and-build strategy, starting with the acquisition of CarneySweeney.”

Chris Leeming, chair of Lanpro, added: “CarneySweeney joining the fold is an exciting first step in a much wider growth journey for Lanpro. This investment gives us the scale, resources and momentum to accelerate our plans and continue building a broader, multi-disciplinary environmental planning consultancy. I’m incredibly grateful to Dave and the team at FRP Corporate Finance for helping us to get this deal over the line. Having worked with them before we knew how invaluable their support can be, and it’s now put us in a strong position to pursue our ambitious plans for growing the business.”

UK Schools Help Turn Litter Into Glitter Initiative to Highlight Roadside Waste Problem

An army of elves began work on 1 December 2025 to raise awareness of the problems caused by roadside litter ahead of the festive period. School children across the country joined National Highways and motorway service operators Roadchef and Westmorland Farmshop to help turn litter into glitter. Their task was to transform rubbish commonly found on motorways and major A roads into Christmas decorations. The turn litter into glitter initiative sits within National Highways’ wider effort to reduce rubbish on the roadside after a new survey revealed that more than a fifth of drivers admit to littering on major routes.

Freda Rashdi, Head of Customer Journeys at National Highways, said: “We don’t want a lot for Christmas, and we certainly won’t be wishing for snow, but what we do want is for everyone to have safe and smooth journeys over Christmas.

“Having to clear up litter on our roads causes unnecessary journey delays and costs the taxpayer millions of pounds a year, as well as endangering wildlife living close to our roads. If you are driving home for Christmas, please dispose of your rubbish responsibly and help to make sure everyone gets to spend as much time with their loved ones as possible.”

The first of eight Christmas Litter Trees was unveiled today. Pupils from Avon Park School in Rugby added the final decorations at Roadchef’s Watford Gap services. As part of the turn litter into glitter initiative, the children turned items such as crisp packets and disposable cups into animal themed decorations. Avon Park School belongs to Witherslack Group, which has 26 schools across England and connected each one with a local Roadchef service station.

Jude Jones, CEO of Witherslack Group, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our pupils for being a part of this fabulous initiative. Turning roadside litter into festive decorations not only helps improve our local environment but also teaches our children and young people the importance of taking responsibility for the world around them.

“It’s fantastic to see them actively making a difference, and initiatives like this inspire our pupils to develop habits and behaviours that will benefit their communities for years to come.”

Stuart Attfield, Head of Marketing at Roadchef, said: “We’re proud to support this initiative with National Highways. Seeing school children turn roadside litter into glitter is a brilliant reminder that small actions can make a big difference.

“By joining forces, we can reduce litter on the UK’s motorways and help keep our roads happier, safer, greener and more welcoming for everyone this Christmas.”

Survey data showed that many drivers may be close to the naughty list. Only 11 percent said they feel guilty about others having to work over Christmas to clean up their litter. Over a third did not consider that littering could injure or kill wildlife. The turn litter into glitter initiative is intended, in part, to highlight these consequences and encourage drivers to change their habits.

This festive season, road users have a role to play. By binning their litter, they can help to keep journeys smooth and safe.

The survey, conducted by Walnut Unlimited for National Highways, found that 22 percent admit to littering on major roads in England, an increase of nine percent compared with December 2024. More than half of those who litter were unaware that it can cause delays due to road workers having to remove rubbish. Respondents also said they were more likely to litter on longer journeys or when driving alone. The turn litter into glitter initiative seeks to draw attention to these behaviours through a practical activity involving children and local communities.

Roadchef, one of the UK’s leading motorway service operators with 31 locations and over 50 million visitors each year, has supported the work. The company employs more than 3,500 people and holds multiple awards for workplace engagement, including Platinum level accreditation from Investors in People in 2023 and a 3 Star Accreditation from Best Companies in 2024. Popular brands across its sites include Costa, Leon, McDonald’s, Co op and WHSmith.

Peterborough Councillor Calls for National CCTV Framework in Taxis

A Peterborough city councillor is urging the government to create a national framework and provide funding for installing CCTV in taxis.

Labour cabinet member for finance Mohammed Jamil will present a motion to the full council on Wednesday calling for uniform standards. He said: “A national procurement framework could ensure uniformity of equipment and cost efficiency, while avoiding undue hardship on small businesses.”

The move follows a petition by independent councillor Daisy Blakemore-Creedon, calling for CCTV to be mandatory. Blakemore-Creedon said: “It deters bad behaviour, helps resolve disputes and gives people more confidence to get home safely, especially late at night.”

Last December, the council voted against mandatory CCTV cameras for locally registered taxis. Ali Haider of the Peterborough Private Hire Association supported that decision, describing cameras as an “intrusion of privacy” and a “financial burden” on drivers.

Some drivers have suggested that flexible arrangements could make CCTV more acceptable. Taxi driver Jake Carter told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “If it was to be worked a bit differently where a council took the cost and allowed drivers more flexibility about when the CCTV could be switched on or off then it might be something the drivers would consider. It should be sold as benefiting the drivers as much as benefiting the public.”

Jamil’s motion proposes writing to the transport secretary and local MPs Andrew Pakes and Sam Carling to seek national guidance on CCTV in licensed taxis. The motion states: “Some local authorities have made installation mandatory, others have left it voluntary, and some have prohibited it altogether. These inconsistencies extend to data protection, storage and access arrangements, resulting in confusion, inequality and an uneven playing field across the trade.

“This council believes that the establishment of a single, nationally regulated CCTV standard for all licensed taxi and private hire vehicles would deliver greater consistency, fairness and public confidence across the industry. The government should explore mechanisms such as central funding, grant schemes or tax relief to support the trade in meeting these requirements.”

First Wild Beaver in Norfolk Recorded at Pensthorpe Natural Park

The animal was spotted several weeks ago at Pensthorpe Natural Park near Fakenham. Beavers were hunted to extinction in Britain during the 16th Century, making this sighting the first wild beaver recorded in Norfolk for hundreds of years.

Reserve manager Richard Spowage said: “The fact that it has chosen our land to establish a territory reflects the ongoing work we have been doing to improve our river and surrounding land for nature.” He described the beaver’s presence as “extremely low-impact and an encouraging indicator of ecological recovery” and called the discovery “an exciting moment for Pensthorpe.”

Signs of the beaver’s activity, such as bark stripped from trees, have been observed around the reserve. As the animal is nocturnal, sightings are rare. The reserve emphasised that it is not promoting the beaver as a visitor attraction, but is celebrating its ecological significance.

Earlier this year, the UK government approved the reintroduction of beavers in other parts of the country. Spowage highlighted the wider environmental importance, saying: “Wetlands are some of the most threatened habitats in the UK. To have a beaver recorded here is a reminder of what’s possible when you restore nature at scale. It’s a moment of hope, not just for Pensthorpe but for wildlife across Norfolk.”

Yellow Fog Warning Issued Across Parts of Central England

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning, advising that overnight fog is expected to persist until around 09:45 GMT. Visibility could drop to less than 100m (328ft) in some areas, particularly in rural locations. Drivers are urged to use fog lights while on the road.

The fog may also affect train services and flights, although no delays had been reported at London Luton Airport as of 07:00 GMT.

Bentley Unveils New Carbon Fibre Styling Spec: A More Muscular, Modern Grand Tourer

Bentley Motors has injected fresh intensity into its flagship Grand Tourers with a new Carbon Fibre Styling Specification.

The upgrade is now available across the latest Continental GT, GT Convertible (GTC) and Flying Spur – and, for the first time, fully open to Mulliner clients. It adds a darker, more muscular attitude that pairs with the Titanium Akrapovič Exhaust and Blackline Specification for a truly assertive daily supercar.

The new specification made its first public appearance on a vibrant Orange Flame Continental GT Speed at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It brings a larger rear diffuser, a more aggressive front splitter, sculpted lower side sills and carbon mirror caps. Each component is hand-crafted, meticulously mirror-matched and tuned to deliver a motorsport-inspired edge.

Customers can order the specification as a retrofit for existing fourth-generation models through Bentley’s global retailer network. It is also available as a factory option when commissioning a new Bentley. This marks a significant expansion from the previous generation, in which one in four buyers selected the Styling Specification.

A new era of carbon fibre personalisation

Responding to growing demand for bespoke detail, Bentley has reintroduced the Carbon Fibre Styling Specification to Mulliner – its pinnacle of craftsmanship –and extended availability across all model variants. The expansion even reaches beyond the Continental range, making the styling package available to Bentayga owners for the first time.

Every element has been designed alongside the latest model updates, ensuring clean integration with Bentley’s design DNA. The carbon fibre is laid in multiple layers for optimum strength and rigidity, then finished in a deep gloss worthy of the marque.

A standout detail sits in the side sills: bespoke three-dimensional Bentley badges created through a precision electroforming process. These jewel-like emblems catch the light without capturing imperfections, perfectly illustrating Bentley’s dedication to flawless finish.

Performance with presence

The new components enhance more than aesthetics. Bentley’s latest Continental GT and Flying Spur Performance Hybrid powertrains deliver up to 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0–62 mph takes as little as 3.2 seconds.

Advanced chassis systems and torque vectoring sharpen agility, while the aerodynamic improvements from the carbon elements reinforce Bentley’s commitment to purposeful performance. The specification underwent more than 100,000 km of durability testing and multiple manufacturing cycles. The reinforced front splitter – now twice as thick as before – captures the spirit of the upgrade: bold, functional and unmistakably Bentley.

Peterborough Christmas School Holiday Supermarket Vouchers for Eligible Families

Families in Peterborough will receive supermarket vouchers this Christmas school holiday to help support their children.

Eligible families will be sent £30 vouchers automatically, using information provided by schools and council records. Vouchers will be delivered via text and email on Wednesday 17 December. All vouchers must be activated by 9pm on Sunday 18 January 2026, or they will expire.

Children who become eligible up to and including Sunday 4 January 2026 will also receive vouchers if an application has been submitted.

Vouchers are available for families with children and young people who receive:

Income-based free school meals (Reception to Year 11)
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) for children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 December 2024
Funded childcare and education for 2-year-olds under the income-based criteria (born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023)
Certain post-16 young people meeting specific eligibility criteria

Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We remain fully committed to supporting families in need of help and I’m delighted that once again we will be providing this worthwhile scheme over the Christmas break.

“As always, I would strongly urge anyone who is eligible for the scheme but has not already signed up to please consider doing so as soon as possible. The free school meals scheme not only helps families saving around £450 a year per child but also helps their child’s primary school receive much-needed additional funding.”

Vouchers may take up to 9pm on the day they are sent to arrive. Families with more than one eligible child may receive separate voucher links. Any missing vouchers should be reported after Thursday 18 December 2025.

Vouchers are activated by selecting the supermarket where they will be used. For further information on free school meals and how to apply, visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/schools-and-education/holiday-voucher-scheme.

Cambridgeshire Archives Acquire Rare 18th Century Chesterton Terrier

Cambridgeshire Archives have acquired a rare 18th century Chesterton terrier, securing it through a £350 grant from Friends of the Nations’ Libraries. The acquisition brings into public care a document titled ‘Terrier of John Chettoe’s Property in Chesterton’, dated 1768 and containing a transcript of an earlier terrier from 1694. It has been purchased from a private owner in South Africa.

This 18th century Chesterton terrier records land and property ownership in rural Chesterton at a time when the area had not yet been absorbed into the wider growth of Cambridge. It outlines Chettoe’s residence, likely Chesterton Hall, along with approximately 84 acres of surrounding land.

The terrier includes details of field boundaries, plot sizes, estimated land values and tenant names. Its precision offers a clear picture of land use and ownership structure, and provides a window into the social and economic patterns that defined the estate.

No other terriers of Chesterton from this period are known to survive. The 18th century Chesterton terrier therefore fills a gap in Cambridgeshire Archives’ collections and fits alongside existing holdings relating to John Chettoe, including his will, title deeds and correspondence.

The ownership history recorded in associated documents shows that the property was purchased from Captain Gamaliel Nightingale in 1772, sold to William Wragg in 1799, and later acquired by St John’s College, Cambridge. The land was eventually sold for housing development in the 1930s, during which time Chesterton Hall was converted into flats.

Councillor Alison Whelan said: “I’m very grateful to Friends of the Nations’ Libraries for funding Cambridgeshire Archives’ purchase of this document. Preserving our local heritage enriches our understanding of community identity and development.

“Documents like the Chesterton Terrier connect us to the lives and landscapes of the past, helping us appreciate the journey our county has taken.”

Archivist Esther Bellamy said: “This document preserves a vital piece of Cambridgeshire’s history, capturing the landscape of Chesterton and marking its transformation from rural estate to urban community. It’s a valuable resource for historians, or anyone interested in the way land use and social history have evolved in our county.”

Cambridgeshire Archives, operated by Cambridgeshire County Council, holds historic records relating to Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and the Isle of Ely. Its online catalogue describes more than half a million documents with further entries added regularly. Anyone wishing to view specific items, including the 18th century Chesterton terrier, is advised to make an appointment.