Cllr Neil MacDonald will take over as Ipswich Borough Council leader next week

A new leader for Ipswich Borough Council has been chosen.

Cllr Neil MacDonald will take over from Cllr David Ellesmere, who announced his decision to stand down last May.

Cllr MacDonald became leader of the Labour Group yesterday evening and will officially become council leader at the council’s annual meeting next Wednesday.

The incoming leader, whose most recent role in the council was portfolio holder for housing, said: “I’m feeling good about becoming leader, and it’s good to know I have the backing of many councillors.

“But I do have a bit of trepidation about what might be around the corner. Money is tight and inflation is still high.

“For example, our gas bill is going up in the autumn and the current estimate is that it will be three times the current price – but it might be more.

“It will ensure we have a financially-secure council.”

No-one stood against the councillor for the position.

Cllr MacDonald has shown commitment to tackling homelessness and building more social housing as portfolio holder for housing. In January, he committed to ensuring 300 new council houses are built over the next three years.

Cllr Ellesmere has been council leader for the last 12 years, serving longer in the role than any other person since Ipswich Borough Council was created in 1974.