Political opponents said it will be "a sad day for democracy" if the council's cabinet makes a last-minute decision to ask the government to postpone May's election.

And Labour will face accusations of trying to save their own skins if they do ask for the election to put off - with the Greens, Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats all hoping to benefit from the government's unpopularity.

Norwich City Council's City Hall headquarters (Image: Archant)

If they do decide to seek a delay, it would be because of the upcoming shake-up of councils - which would see all eight in Norfolk axed and replaced.

City Hall might suggest its capacity to transition to the new council or councils would be hampered if it also has to run a resource-intensive election for a council which faces abolition anyway.

Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council (Image: Norwich City Council)

Labour leader Mike Stonard and his six cabinet colleagues will meet next Wednesday (January 14) to decide whether or not to seek a delay. Voters are currently due to go to the polls for 13 of the 39 council seats.

The report to go before........

© Norwich Evening News