Kay Mason Billig re-elected Norfolk Conservative leader

Kay Mason Billig did not face any challenges for her position as leader of the 54-strong Conservative group when it held its annual general meeting on Friday.

Mrs Mason Billig became the leader of the Conservative group in April last year and leader of the council the following month.

She said: "I am delighted to have been re-elected by my colleagues and am humbled by their support in showing their confidence in me.

"We now look forward to continuing with our positive agenda for Norfolk, delivering our manifesto promises and guaranteeing this council is run in a financially prudent way for our taxpayers, in order to provide the best possible services to all of our residents in Norfolk."

Norfolk County Council's County Hall headquarters (Image: Mike Page)

She said the Conservatives would continue to grasp opportunities to boost Norfolk, including through the County Deal which will give the authority extra powers and money.

Mrs Mason Billig recently accused government advisors Natural England of attempting to "subvert the will of the people" after County Hall officers said the organisation's guidance around barbastelle bats could threaten the prospect of the Norwich Western Link being built.

She said: "We will continue to work with our Norfolk MPs at Westminster, to champion our county and deliver new projects including the much-needed Norwich Western Link.

"As the main political group at Norfolk County Council that fully supports this much-needed infrastructure, we want to deliver for our residents and businesses and will continue to work with our partners at Natural England to find solutions to any outstanding issues."

She said the group was also keen to attract new businesses to Norfolk and to provide training opportunities for young people.

Mrs Mason Billig, who is county councillor for Loddon, will announce the full line-up of posts within her cabinet at Norfolk County Council's annual meeting on May 7.