Who could be candidates to become Norfolk's first 'mayor'?

Parties will select their candidates in the months ahead, assuming the deal proceeds, but there is always the chance an independent candidate could put their hat into the ring.

Here are some possible contenders, some perhaps more likely than others:

Andrew Proctor

Norfolk County Council leader Andrew Proctor (Image: Norfolk County Council)

The current Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, a role he has held since 2018, having previously led Broadland District Council.

Mr Proctor has played a key role in the negotiations with the government over this deal, but would not be drawn on whether he might be a candidate to become the directly elected leader.

John Fuller

John Fuller, South Norfolk Council leader (Image: © Rose Sapey)

The leader of South Norfolk Council has been an outspoken critic of the negotiation process around the devolution deal - unhappy that district councils were sidelined by the way it was handled.

But, as one of the longest-serving council leaders in the country, having clocked up 16 years at the helm of South Norfolk, Mr Fuller can point to plenty of experience and to an OBE.

Chloe Smith

Norwich North MP Chloe Smith (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The Norwich North MP recently announced she will not fight to retain the parliamentary seat she has held since 2009 in the next general election.

Whether she might be interested in remaining involved in politics at a county level remain to be seen.

Liz Truss

Liz Truss

The former prime minister's announcement she will stand in South West Norfolk at the next general election would appear to suggest Westminster, rather than County Hall, is where she sees her political future.

Lana Hempsall

The Conservative county and Broadland councillor previously stood against Clive Lewis in the Norwich South election, but failed to turn the seat blue.

Sam Chapman-Allen

Breckland Council's Conservative leader was another critical of the negotiation process, in his role as chairman of the District Council's Network. But could he be tempted by a new role?

James Palmer

James Palmer (Image: Archant)

The former Conservative mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough lost his post to Labour's Nik Johnson last year. But he has re-emerged as chair of the Eastern Powerhouse, a business-backed body promoting the region.

Steve Morphew

Steve Morphew (Image: Archant)

The leader of the Labour group at Norfolk County Council can boast years of experience, having previously served as the leader of Norwich City Council.

Steffan Aquarone

The former Liberal Democrat group leader at County Hall might have fancied a go, but he is his party's candidate to go up against Duncan Baker to become North Norfolk MP at the next general election, which would appear to rule him out.

Andrew Boswell

The former Green city and county councillor is a fierce opponent of the Norwich Western Link and a thorn in the side of the county council. The Greens could also, potentially, look to the likes of Jamie Osborn, Ben Price, Lucy Galvin or Catherine Rowett.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry (Image: Archant Norfolk.)

Of course, the Norfolk-educated broadcaster seems highly unlikely to run. But if a major part of the role is to be a figurehead for the county, he would certainly get the county noticed.