New leader elected at Labour-led Norwich City Council

Mike Stonard takes over at the local authority in the aftermath of the local elections a few weeks ago

Norwich City Hall
Author: George Thompson, Local Democracy Reporting ServicePublished 18th May 2023
Last updated 18th May 2023

The next leader of Norwich City Council has been revealed, with a long-time councillor expected to take up the reigns.

Mike Stonard looks set to take over the helm of the Labour-led authority at City Hall’s annual meeting next week.

Mr Stonard has been a councillor since 2012, most recently covering the inclusive and sustainable growth role on the cabinet.

He will be taking over from Alan Waters, who stood down as a councillor at the recent local elections.

Mr Waters served as leader of the council twice, from 1993 to 1998 and again from 2015 to 2023.

Documents published ahead of Tuesday’s meeting show Mr Stonard has picked Beth Jones, Catherine Oliver, Emma Hampton, Adam Giles and Paul Kendrick to be part of his cabinet.

While their roles have not been revealed, all of his picks previously held posts in the last administration.

The meeting will also see Liberal Democrat group leader James Wright appointed as the Lord Mayor for the next year.

At the same time, Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive officer of homeless charity St Martins Housing Trust, is set to become sheriff.

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