A new era of West Norfolk politics was ushered in yesterday evening with the formation of a new council.
After coming to an agreement during discussions throughout the past week, Independent Terry Parish was officially nominated as the new borough council leader at its annual meeting in Lynn’s town hall.
With no party securing enough seats during our local elections to form a majority adminstration, the Independents have now partnered with Liberal Democrat and Green members to run the council.
They were also backed by Labour leader Charles Joyce, who officially nominated Cllr Parish at yesterday’s meeting – saying his counterpart “deserves a go at it”.
This will be the first non-Conservative council in the borough in two decades.
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After being named as leader, Cllr Parish said: “I’m looking forward to leading this group, as it embraces not only Independent councillors, but also Liberal Democrats and Green party members.
“We will be working closely with Charles Joyce and the Labour Group. I have a competent and enthusiastic cabinet who are keen to get involved with addressing our local priorities that will help make west Norfolk healthier and fairer for all.”
Cllr Parish moved to West Norfolk from Wolverhampton ten years ago and became a parish councillor, and was elected as ward member for Heacham at a by-election in 2016.
His deputy leader will be Cllr Jim Moriarty, who will also be responsible for the development and regeneration portfolio on a new Cabinet.
The rest of the Cabinet will be:
Cllr Alex Kemp: people and communities
Cllr Simon Ring: tourism, events and marketing
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Cllr Chris Morley: finance
Cllr Alistair Beales: business
Cllr Michael de Whalley: climate change and biodiversity
Cllr Sandra Squire: environment and coastal
Cllr Bal Anota: property and corporate services