The postponement of mayoral elections in Norfolk and Suffolk will hold back investment and delay major projects across East Anglia, businesses have warned.

A new mayor was supposed to be elected in May next year, but the government has pushed back the vote for two years until 2028 - a move critics are calling an "attack on democracy".

The government argues the delay will allow more time for local government reorganisation, which will see district and county councils abolished and replaced by unitary authorities.

Norfolk and Suffolk's business leaders say the setback is "immensely frustrating" and represents the government's "weakness of purpose and contempt for hardworking business owners".

Jack Weaver, chief operating officer at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said: "This is Norfolk’s t

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