STORY
Suffolk County Council has elected Councillor Michael Hadwen as its new leader, with the authority saying he has become the youngest leader in its history.
Councillor Hadwen used his first speech at the council’s annual general meeting to pledge that communities would be at the centre of the new administration’s work. He said the council would focus on better services, living within its means, less bureaucracy, greater accountability and leadership that prioritises the people of Suffolk.
The new Cabinet includes portfolios for adult social care, finance and economic development, children’s services, education and SEND, transport and highways, planning and devolution, public health, coastal affairs, waste and rural affairs. Councillor Hadwen said difficult decisions lay ahead, but promised to protect frontline services, support sustainable growth and reform the way the council operates.