Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has put forward an amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which proposes a referendum on whether Havering should remain under the Greater London Authority.
If selected for a vote and subsequently passed, the amendment would give Havering residents the powers to decide whether they wish to instead join a Greater Essex Combined County Council Authority.
Mr Rosindell has also tabled a second amendment which would require that the boundaries of the ceremonial county of Essex align with the historical boundaries of Essex – including Havering.
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On the referendum, Mr Rosindell said: “This decision should rest with local people, not with central planners in Whitehall.
“Why should we be grouped with Kingston, Barnet, and Croydon when our cultural, economic, and community ties are far stronger with Chelmsford, Brentwood, Basildon, and Southend?
“It is time for change and the people of Havering should be given a voice and have the right to decide what is best for our borough.”
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, at its report stage in the House of Commons, aims to deepen devolution across England, transfer more powers to local leaders such as mayors, and create a new tier of “strategic authorities”.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “The mayor is working to deliver for each and every one of London’s boroughs, including Havering.
“He already has a strong record of protecting jobs and growth in Havering, as well as delivering affordable housing and vital transport improvements.
“The mayor will continue to work closely with all boroughs across London to improve the lives of communities and build a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone.”
The London Government Act 1963 established the area of Greater London, creating 32 new London boroughs, including Havering, as well as the City of London.
There is no existing process for a borough to leave this area and a change in legislation would be required to enable this.
