He emphasizes that a stronger Suffolk is intrinsically linked to a stronger Ipswich, asserting the town's central role in the county's overall success.

Suffolk County Council has proposed the establishment of a single unitary council that would encompass the entire county, effectively eliminating all other local authorities.

In response, Ipswich Borough Council has suggested the creation of a 'Greater Ipswich' or 'Greater Orwell' unitary authority, which would include surrounding areas such as Kesgrave, Martlesham, and Felixstowe.

Colin Noble, a former leader of Suffolk County Council and current county councillor for Row Heath, underscores the significance of proper representation for Ipswich in any new local authority that emerges from devolution.

While not fully endorsing either of these proposals, Noble points out that the government's white paper mandates new authorities to represent at least 500,000 people, bolstering the argument for a single unitary authority for Suffolk.

He advocates for thorough discussions regarding local government reforms, as the decisions made now could shape governance for the next 50 years.

Noble also highlights that Ipswich has unique needs that differ from the more rural parts of Suffolk, and these distinctions should be recognized in the formation of the new authority.