New Suffolk County Council leader announces cabinet with pledge ‘community must come first’

Suffolk County Council has elected its new leader, Councillor Michael Hadwen, who pledged that the new administration would put Suffolk communities at the heart of its work when delivering change.
Published: 21 May 2026
Suffolk County Council cabinet members, standing in the council chamber ahead of the annual general meeting
Clockwise from back left: Councillor Morgan Brobyn, Councillor Tony Gould, Councillor Simon Aalders, Councillor Christopher Hudson, Councillor Vicky Armstrong, Councillor Tristan Gale, Councillor June Mummery, Councillor Michael Hadwen, Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton

In his first speech as leader at the council’s annual general meeting, self-confessed ‘Felixstowe boy’ Councillor Hadwen said the new administration would focus on “services that work better, councils that live within their means, less bureaucracy, more accountability, and leadership that prioritises the people of Suffolk”.

Councillor Hadwen is the youngest leader in Suffolk County Council’s history and the first councillor from Felixstowe to lead the authority.

Councillor Michael Hadwen said:

“There will be difficult decisions ahead. There will be moments when we are tested, and moments when we will undoubtedly face criticism. But I give this chamber and the people of Suffolk this commitment today: This administration will always put Suffolk first.

“We will work hard. We will be honest with residents. We will respect taxpayers’ money. And we will give ourselves fully to the responsibility the people of Suffolk have entrusted to us - because Suffolk deserves nothing less.”

The new leader pledged that the administration would:

  • Be transparent with residents
  • Deliver value for taxpayers
  • Protect frontline services
  • Support sustainable growth
  • Reform how the council operates
  • Focus relentlessly on delivery

Councillor Hadwen also paid tribute to his predecessor as leader, Councillor Matthew Hicks, thanking him for his service to Suffolk during “an extraordinarily difficult and uncertain period for local government.”

The following cabinet appointments were confirmed:

  • Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton - Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
  • Councillor Vicky Armstrong - Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Efficiency
  • Councillor Simon Aalders - Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
  • Councillor Tony Gould - Cabinet Member for Education and SEND
  • Councillor Christopher Hudson - Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways
  • Councillor Tristan Gale - Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and Fire Service
  • Councillor June Mummery - Cabinet Member for Coastal Affairs, Communities and Public Health
  • Councillor Morgan Brobyn - Cabinet Member for Food, Waste and Rural Affairs

In addition, the new chairman of the council will be Councillor Louis Busuttil, and the vice chairman will be Councillor Kerrie Turner.

During his speech, Councillor Hadwen highlighted some of the key priorities for the administration, including improving Suffolk’s roads and protecting frontline services. He also described Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) as one of the ‘challenges’ ahead, saying that there are serious concerns to be addressed.

Read the full speech: