Diss elects new mayor and council leader

The ceremonial robes of Diss have changed hands with Sonia Browne becoming only the second woman and the first person of colour to be elected town mayor.

Sonia Browne take over the civic robes from outgoing Diss Mayor Trevor Wenman. Picture: Diss Town Council - Credit: Diss Town Council

Ms Browne was unanimously elected to the civic role for the coming year at a meeting of Diss Town Council - taking over from Trevor Wenman, who had held the mayoralty for the last two years.

She has previously taken up the position of deputy mayor in January when that role and a deputy council leader were created following the sudden decision of the council leader to step down mid-term.

New Diss Town Council leader Simon Olander with new town mayor Sonia Browne. Picture: Diss Town Council - Credit: Diss Town Council

After being handed the robes by the outgoing mayor, Ms Browne said: "I feel this is history in the making as I believe I am the second female in the history of the town to hold this position and also the first person of colour or minority. I am hoping that future co-opted councillors will also reflect our town and the communities that we each represent."

At the meeting, the town council also voted to co-opt seven additional members to its 14 councillor positions after just seven filled at the recent elections. Councillor Simon Olander was also elected as council leader.