South Norfolk Council in disarray amid leadership doubt

Suzanne Wateridge's victory for the Greens in the Bunwell ward by-election gave her party its first seat on South Norfolk Council and meant the Tories no longer have overall control of the authority.

The shock result came after Lord Fuller, Conservative leader of the council, revealed he would be standing down from the post after 17 years.

Daniel Elmer, the new leader of the Conservative group, looked set to take up the helm, but now says he is "not confident" he will be elected in the position. 

The by-election results means it is the first time since 2007 that the Tories have not had overall control of the authority.

Suzanne Wateridge, middle, is the first Green member on South Norfolk Council (Image: Green Party)

There are now 23 Conservatives, 11 Liberal Democrats, nine Labour members, two who sit as independent councillors and one Green.

Mr Elmer said: "We still have the most councillors and a mandate to lead, and mean to do so collaboratively. 

"I intend to be the leader of South Norfolk Council - but I wouldn't say I'm confident."

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Anyone wishing to contend the position would need to win the backing of all Lib Dem, Labour, Independent and Green councillors in order to outvote the Conservatives.

No other candidates have been revealed, but this may be kept under wraps until the annual meeting of the council on May 20, when a new leader will be chosen. 

Lord Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council (Image: Newsquest)

Clayton Hudson, an independent councillor, said that while it was possible Mr Elmer would not be elected, the chances were "quite remote".

The Greens won the Bunwell by-election by the skin of their teeth - with Tory candidate Charles Easton taking 394 votes compared to Suzanne Wateridge's 404. 

The election was called following the death of Conservative councillor Stephen Ridley, who passed away in March following a short illness.