A former mayor of Felixstowe has been elected Suffolk County Council chairman at a virtual meeting today.

Graham Newman stepped up from his role as vice chairman to replace James Finch at a full council meeting, with the election, delayed from it original date of May this year.

His responsibility will be to represent the county council at civic and ceremonial events, promote the county, encourage greater partnership working, and act as an ambassador and champion for Suffolk.

A keen cyclist and walker who also enjoys travelling in the UK by train, Cllr Newman has lived in Felixstowe for 28 years and has been a councillor locally since 2009.

Even though fund-raising activities are going to be difficult, immediately named the St Elizabeth Hospice, as his nominated charity and promised to be an ambassador for the Suffolk Active County campaign.

Cllr Newman started his tenure by praising council staff for ensuring the county remained among the lowest affected by Covid-19.

He said: "I want to give huge thanks to the officers of this county for the huge sacrifices they have already made and the adaptability they have shown over the past seven months to ensure Suffolk has been, and still is, one of the least affected counties hit by this pandemic

"It is heartening to know that Suffolk is seen as an exemplar by national government for the way it has supported local communities and working in partnership with the local authorities, has played key role in mitigating the crisis the care sector and for isolated individuals."

Cllr Newman, who has twice been mayor of Felixstowe, was nominated by fellow resort councillor Steve Wiles and seconded by Cllr Joanna Spicer.

Cllr Wiles used his nomination speech to thank outgoing chair Cllr Finch and said: "Firstly, my thanks to you Mr Chairman, you have guided this council through a very difficult period with great skill and professionalism. Embracing the new technology needed to continue our meetings with calm confidence.

"You will be a hard act to follow. Thank You."

He then addressed the full council and said: "It is my great pleasure to propose Cllr Graham Newman as the next chairman of Suffolk County Council.

"Graham needs very little introduction as he is extremely well known across Suffolk, holding a seat on Suffolk County Council since 2005.

"As well as this, he has also served his home division of Felixstowe tirelessly as a town councillor since 2009, becoming mayor in 2014/15, and again in 2018/19.

"The role of chairman of this council is one that requires fairness and impartiality. I believe Cllr Newman with his vast experience will provide this, and will be a steady hand to steer this ship."

Mildenhall councillor Louis Busuttil was elected as vice chairman.