Kay Mason Billig elected as Norfolk County Council leader after Andrew Proctor steps down
Kay Mason Billig has been elected as the new leader of Norfolk County Council after Andrew Proctor stood down due to ill health.
Cllr Mason Billig, leader of the council’s Conservative group, was voted in at the full council’s annual meeting this morning.
She said it was “an honour” to be elected, and paid tribute to Cllr Proctor for putting the council in a “strong position” – as well as wishing him a speedy recovery.
The new leader said: “Our new administration is very much about evolution and not revolution.
“We will be a council that listens to our residents and works with partners to champion Norfolk. We will speak up and fight Norfolk’s corner – for funding, for investment and to make the most of any opportunities.
“We will continue to prioritise care for the most vulnerable. We will strive to develop the infrastructure and skills required to grow the economy, which ensures the sustainable funding of those key services.”
Cllr Mason Billig also named her new cabinet this morning:
- Leader and portfolio holder for strategy and governance – Kay Mason Billig
- Deputy leader and finance – Andrew Jamieson
- Public health and wellbeing – Bill Borrett
- Adult social care – Alison Thomas
- Children’s services – Penny Carpenter
- Communities and partnerships – Margaret Dewsbury
- Environment and waste – Eric Vardy
- Economic growth – Fabian Eagle
- Highways, infrastructure and transport – Graham Plant
- Corporate services and innovation – Jane James
The new deputy cabinet members are Shelagh Gurney (adult social care), Karen Vincent (children’s services), Greg Peck (finance) and Lana Hempsall (highways, infrastructure and transport).
Cllr Mason Billig added: “Our mission is clear: we will build on Andrew’s achievements; we will work with our partners, to make the best of all opportunities; and we will always speak up for this county.
“We will always do our best for Norfolk. I look forward to working collaboratively with you all, to achieve this.”
The same meeting elected Cllr Barry Stone as chairman of the county council – the authority’s civic leader.
Councillors paid tribute to Cllr Karen Vincent, who has completed her year in that role.
The new cabinet will meet for the first time at 10am tomorrow.
