Norwich City Council's Labour leader Mike Stonard has called for May's elections be postponed, warning they would stretch resources needed for the biggest shake-up of local government in decades.

Cabinet members will decide on Wednesday on whether or not to request a delay from the government, a day before its deadline to do so.

The move threatens to cause a major political uproar, with opponents warning it would be a "risk to democracy".

City Hall in Norwich. Photo: Nick Butcher. (Image: Archant)

A third of its sitting councillors are up for re-election, but they could remain in their positions indefinitely until the authority is abolished to make way for one or more new unitary councils.

In a report to councillors, Mr Stonard said postponing the elections will "release essential capacity" for the transition to new unitary........

© Norwich Evening News