Reform to run county council with minority control

Reform UK have formally taken control of a county council following the local elections earlier this month.

While the party won the most seats in the polls in Norfolk, it did not have enough for a majority.

But in a vote at County Hall in Norwich on Thursday morning, members of the authority voted to make Reform's David Bick leader of the council.

It means the party is in minority control but will be able to make most decisions, only requiring support from other parties on some votes – such as setting an annual budget.

Bick stood unopposed, as no other party put forward a candidate to challenge him.

Backed by his party members, he was elected with 39 votes for, 31 against and eight councillors abstaining.

Following his election he said "voters have expressed their wish for change".

He also promised "a laser focus on value for money, and providing the best possible service".

Reform have 40 councillors on the authority, with the Liberal Democrats the next largest group with 13.

The Greens have 12 members, Great Yarmouth First nine, Conservatives eight, Labour one, and there is also one independent councillor.

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