Political leaders across Devon, Essex, and Wessex are accelerating campaigns for regional devolution, pressing Downing Street for elected mayors and local funding control.

Microsoft has terminated its agreement to act as anchor tenant for Nscale's planned AI supercomputer facility in Loughton, Essex. Power grid operators warned that sufficient electricity connections will not be available until the early to mid-2030s.

Nigel Farage is launching a major Reform UK political offensive targeting Kemi Badenoch's Essex heartland following recent local election gains.

Voting has closed in the record-breaking Clacton by-election featuring 34 candidates, with vote counting underway for the Essex constituency.