Broadland Conservative Group elects its new leader

Mr Vincent, councillor for the Plumstead ward, was selected as leader of the group at a meeting this week, putting him in pole position to become leader of the council.

With Andrew Proctor, the man currently in the post, also elected leader of Norfolk County Council, the district council is due to choose its new leader on July 12.

And after Mr Vincent was chosen to lead the Conservative group, it looks as though this will be him.

Mr Vincent said: 'Four weeks ago definitely didn't think I would be standing for leader, however, to have been chosen is brilliant for me and is a huge honour.

'Following the sad demise of Cliff Jordan, we are in a position of transition with Andrew moving on to his new role at the county council, but continuing as leader in the interim.'

Mr Vincent, currently portfolio holder for planning, has been a councillor since 2007 and should he become leader of the district council, will make a Western Link for the Broadland Northway one of his priorities.

He said: 'The Western Link really is a no-brainer. We are already seeing what a phenominal difference the new road is having to the north of the city, but the Western Link just has to happen.

'My main priority though will be simply doing my absolute best for Broadland and promoting the best for the area.'

At the meeting, Mr Vincent was chosen as leader after being nominated by Reepham councillor Graham Everett.

He was chosen ahead of Thorpe St Andrew North West councillor John Fisher and Acle councillor Lana Hempsall, both of whom were also nominated.

He added: 'The key thing now will be to make the transition as smooth as possible, so that while things are changing the people of Broadland do not feel like anything is.

'It's also going to be important to make sure that while changes are happening in the political arena, the council staff who work for us can carry on their jobs as normal.