The leader of Norfolk County Council has taken an immediate leave of absence because of a health condition.
Andrew Proctor, the leader at the Conservative-controlled council for more than four years, has taken the leave of absence as he begins treatment for the condition.
The Conservative group was told about Mr Proctor's decision at a meeting on Friday (March 24) morning.
Mr Proctor's deputy, Graham Plant, who recently came in for criticism after comments about asylum seekers, will act as leader while Mr Proctor is absent, the county council confirmed.
A spokesman for Norfolk County Council, said: "For the time being and with immediate effect for health reasons, the leader of Norfolk County Council is taking a leave of absence from his roles as leader of the Conservative Group at Norfolk County Council and leader of Norfolk County Council.
"This situation has come on quite quickly and he will be undergoing a period of treatment which started on March 24."
The details of Mr Proctor's health condition have not been made public at this time.
Mr Proctor, who had previously served as leader of Broadland District Council for more than seven years, became leader at County Hall in 2018.
He has represented the Blofield and Brundall division at Norfolk County Council since 2009.
Last year, he saw off a Conservative group leadership challenge by Rhodri Oliver.
Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group at County Hall, said: "I wish Andrew a full and speedy recovery.
"Whatever our political differences we have always got on personally and I wish him well."
Recent months have seen Mr Proctor spearheading negotiations over the government's county deal for Norfolk.
The government offered Norfolk County Council an arrangement, which includes a £20m a year investment fund for 30 years.
Powers would be devolved from Whitehall to the county council, with a directly-elected leader of Norfolk County Council.
Mr Proctor has said the deal will deliver more jobs, better housing, improved transport and better skills, but critics have said it is not ambitious enough.
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