Norwich City Council elections: Meet the new faces at City Hall

With the votes counted and dust settled on Norwich City Council's latest election, a string of new councillors are preparing to take their seats in City Hall.

Among them are a husband and wife duo, a former ICT teacher and a former NHS nurse.

With Labour gaining five seats from the Green Party and fielding new candidates in some wards, there are eight new councillors taking on seats.

Among these are husband and wife Matthew and Erin Fulton-McAlister, who will be representing the University and Wensum wards respectively.

Mr Fulton-McAlister, 27, said: 'It is very overwhelming and a wonderful honour to represent the area I lived in for so long and to represent the city of Norwich.

'I lived here since 2008, moved away for a year but came back because Norwich has just that strong a hold on me.

'I want to make sure Norwich City Council is one of the best employers in the country in a time when work is so hard to come by.'

Dr Fulton-McAlister, 31, said: 'I am very happy indeed and hope to represent my ward as best as possible while I am here.

'We both worked incredibly hard during our campaigns and won't be taking anything for granted. It is a huge responsibility and I will do my best to fulfil it.'

Cavan Stewart, 67, a former ICT teacher at Thorpe St Andrew School, gained a seat in the Thorpe Hamlet ward. He became the first Labour candidate to claim a seat in the ward since 1982.

He said: 'I am delighted. Finally, Thorpe Hamlet has Labour representation in City Hall.

'I thought I took the fight to the Greens and fought on environmental issues, as well as anti-social behaviour.

'I want to work to make sure air quality is better in the city and to help people with any small issue they need my help with.'

Jo Smith, 52, a former NHS nurse, gained the Mancroft ward for the Labour Party from the Greens by just 77 votes.

She said: 'It was such a close fought race and I would like to thank my team for all their hard work.

'I would also like to pay tribute to the Green Party who also working incredibly hard, which was why it was so close.

'I now want to fight for the poorest people in my ward - those who need to most support.'

Rachel Trevor, who held the Lakenham ward for Labour, said she was 'elated and proud'.

She said: 'The first thing for me to do is to get out into the community and thank everybody who voted for me.

'I am all about community and I will do my best to stick up for the people in my ward and help them.'

Jacob Huntley, new Labour councillor for the Mile Cross, said he was honoured to have been elected.

He said: 'I am looking at this as a chance to support and promote the people of Mile Cross.

'I am particularly interested in the Mile Cross Festival, which is a great event that brings the people of Mile Cross together in a positive way.'

There is also a new councillor in the Town Close ward, with Ian Stutely gaining the seat from the Green Party.

Prior to the election, Mr Stutely said: 'Town Close needs a champion for local people, the environment and our community.'

And, in Nelson ward, Labour's Emma Hampton, a former University of East Anglia student, is the new face. She defeated the Green candidate Paul Neale.

More: Full results and reaction from Norwich and Great Yarmouth elections 2018.