Suffolk County Council’s representatives formally welcome county’s MPs following historic election

Suffolk’s representatives have formally welcomed the county’s MPs a week on from a historic election night.

A motion to welcome the new MPs was proposed by the Suffolk’s leader, Matthew Hicks, during yesterday’s full county council meeting.

Cllr Hicks said: “Last week, the country spoke and decided it was time for a new Government to take the helm and, of course, we respect the electorate’s decision.

“With the new MPs now elected in Suffolk, it is of course important that we work with them and with the new national administration to deliver for our residents.

“We, as a nation, must never take for granted that we have such a well-established democratic process with a smooth handover of power.”

Last week’s General Election saw Suffolk’s political colour change drastically, with only three Conservatives being elected while most remaining seats switched to Labour, with four candidates, and the new Waveney Valley constituency turning Green.

Aside from some political jabs, most of the councillors’ contributions echoed Cllr Hicks’ statements.

Cllr Sarah Adams, leader of the Labour Group, said: “I do think the work we do together, across the parties does work for the benefit of the people of Suffolk.

“It’s hugely important that we work for the people and with the people of Suffolk across all political parties.”

Cllr Andrew Stringer, leader of the GLI opposition group, added: “I welcome the motion, and we will make sure our MPs deliver on the shortfalls that this county has.

“Suffolk has a chance to hit the ground running, put to the new Government a bold plan and, I think with the diverse array of MPs that we’ve got here, I think we have a real good chance of delivering a fair, just transition to the people of Suffolk.”

Two interventions garnered a big round of applause from across the chamber.

The first, from Cllr Beccy Hopfensperger, was a humorous statement of support for the England football team.

She said: “I can think of no other job in the world, other than maybe the England football manager, where you can go from hero to zero overnight.

“On that point, Gareth Southgate’s election count is on Sunday, and I do wish him the best of luck.”

Taking centre stage, however, was Cllr Andrew Reid’s speech, pleading with new MPs for help in making the Government take notice of Suffolk’s struggles with funding.

The cabinet member for SEND said: “We believe the children of Suffolk should receive the same level of funding as those in neighbouring and comparable authorities.

“If we had the same deal as Norfolk, this county’s children would benefit from many millions more — we must do this, otherwise a whole generation of Suffolk young people will miss out on the support that they deserve.”

Cllr Reid said he would be writing a letter to the Secretary of State to ask for more funding to be awarded and asked MPs to come in support — his intervention got a round of applause.

The motion was passed unanimously.