Keir Starmer's decision to postpone mayoral elections for two years will hammer local economies in affected areas to the tune of billions of pounds, the Prime Minister was warned today.

Labour has pushed back votes to 2027 in four areas; Greater Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk and Sussex and Brighton, that were due to gain a directly-elected mayor next year.

The government argued it needed more time for its controversial revamp of local democracy that will also see some council elections postponed.

But critics argue the 'dictatorial' move was born of fears of losing to Reform and the Tories. 

As well as the negative impact on democracy the postponement means that the four affected areas will miss out on a combined £320million in central government funding for next year.

Donna Jones, the Conservative candidate for mayor of Hampshire, warned of 'monumental' 'long-term harm at a time when the economy is already under enormous strain.

Writing for the Mail she said that on top of the taxpayer cash the stood to miss out on billions that might come in thanks to strategic 'certainty' mayors could bring in that projects would go ahead.

'Starmer's desperation to cling onto the keys of No 10 means he is putting his own political survival over regional opportunity and growth the British people deserve,' she said.

Donna Jones, the Conservative candidate for mayor of Hampshire (above left), warned of 'monumental' 'long-term harm at a time when the economy is already under enormous strain.

'Starmer's desperation to cling onto the keys of No 10 means he is putting his own political survival over regional opportunity and growth the British people deserve,' she said.

Earlier this month Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said ministers were 'minded' to hold inaugural elections in the four areas of the south and east in 2028.

The new mayoralties were announced in February under devolution plans, which also promised the replacement of two-tier district and county councils with one body.

Council elections in nine areas – East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Thurrock, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Suffolk and Surrey – were already postponed from this year to 2026 amid reorganisation plans.

An opinion poll from early December showed Reform on course to win all four, with Ms Jones running Nigel Farage's party a close second in Hampshire.

However that was before the Reform candidate became embroiled in a racism row over online messages saying black Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy should 'go home' to the Caribbean.

Additionally, some 63 councils due to hold votes in May could postpone them until 2027 after some told ministers they lack the capacity to reorganise in time, the Government said last week.