Caroline Topping elected as new East Suffolk Council leader

Caroline Topping said she was "incredibly honoured" and "very proud"  to have been elected as leader of East Suffolk at a full council meeting on Wednesday night.

Cllr Caroline Topping, Green Councillor for Beccles & Worlingham is the new Leader of East Suffolk Council. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: ESC)

Cllr Topping will be heading an administration formed of the Green Pary, Liberal Democrats and one Independent member of the authority.

A ward member for Beccles and Worlingham, she becomes East Suffolk’s second ever leader after Steve Gallant - who led a Conservative administration from 2019 - stood down at the recent election.

The new administration called the GLI Group is formed of 28 councillors – 16 Greens, 11 Liberal Democrats and one Independent.

The Green Party celebrate success at the East Suffolk Council local elections. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The Conservatives have 15 seats, and Labour 12.

The new administration comes after the Conservatives lost control of the council at the May 4 election.

Appointments were made to a variety of committees at Wednesday's meeting - with a new chair and vice-chair announced - along with confirmation of the leader’s new cabinet, which sees Liberal Democrat Group Lead, David Beavan, become East Suffolk’s deputy leader.

Cllr Topping said: "I am absolutely delighted that residents in our communities voted in such huge numbers for Green candidates, and our progressive agenda which focuses so keenly not just on our local environment but also the planet’s continued sustainability.

"We have more than trebled our number, which speaks volumes for the concerns and interests of local people.

"We have built a fantastic working relationship with our Liberal Democratic and Independent colleagues over the last four years, building on our shared values.

"However, we are also fully aware that this council comprises 55 members of five colours and we will work constructively across all parties, with our residents, businesses, visitors and everyone who cares about East Suffolk in mind.”

Cllr Anthony Speca, Green ward Councillor for Bungay and Wainford is elected as the new Chairman of the Council. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Green councillor Anthony Speca was elected as chair of the council, with Independent councillor John Fisher the new vice-chair.

Cllr John Fisher, Independent Councillor for Saxmundham is the new vice Chairman of East Suffolk Council. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)