Andrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County Council. Pic: Norfolk County Council.
- Credit: Norfolk County Council
But Andrew Proctor, Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, said he was delighted with the results.
He said: We made some good gains and squeezed the votes elsewhere. It was really tight in Aylsham, where we came really close to taking it from the Lib Dems. Fair play to everyone of our candidates. Everyone did a tremendous job. I am very proud of all the Conservatives.
Mr Proctor said there would now be a refresh of the county council s business plan as his party looked to lead Norfolk s recovery post-pandemic and a drive to deliver on the manifesto promises.
He said: We made some good gains and squeezed the votes elsewhere. It was really tight in Aylsham, where we came really close to taking it from the Lib Dems. Fair play to everyone of our candidates. Everyone did a tremendous job. I am very proud of all the Conservatives.
Labour group leader Steve Morphew.
- Credit: Denise Bradley
Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group, said: I think we are pretty disappointed with the way it went across the county. I make no excuses - that is democracy and that s what the judgement of people has been. But what we have seen is that those candidates who have done best are those most rooted in their communities.
Mr Spratt, who took just over 65pc of the vote in West Depwade in 2017, said: I m going to stand as an independent and I ve been overwhelmed with support since word of that got out there. I m still a paid up member of the Conservative party, but they decided not to pick me for the election.
Andrew Prcctor, leader of Norfolk County Council.
- Credit: Copyright: Archant 2019
Andrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County Council and of the Conservative group, said Mr Spratt had been suspended, pending a decision on whether or not he would be permitted to remain with the group prior to the election.
Revised plans for a new car park at County Hall have been agreed.
- Credit: Icarus Consulting Ltd
Revised plans for a controversial £1.9m council car park have been given the go-ahead, despite calls for it to be turned down.
Norfolk County Council s planning committee voted in September to grant itself permission for a new 128-space car park to serve its County Hall headquarters on the edge of Norwich.
The new car park at County Hall will cost £1.9m.
- Credit: Archant
The matter came back before the council s planning committee on Friday.
People living nearby had objected again. Like last time, they questioned how providing extra car parking spaces for council staff fits with the strategy to reduce carbon emissions.