Both Reform UK and the Green Party have yet to announce their respective group leaders.

Rout stressed the Conservatives’ duty to hold the Reform UK administration to account in opposition after the election results.

Rout stated the opposition’s duty is to hold Reform UK to account and to ensure council decisions serve Suffolk residents, businesses, and communities.

Rout emphasized the opposition’s role in scrutinizing Reform UK and protecting local interests as the new administration takes shape.

Reform UK won 41 of the 70 council seats, giving them control of the administration of Suffolk County Council.

Richard Rout has been elected the new leader of the Suffolk Conservative Group and will oversee party activities in opposition once the council transitions; deputies Joe Mason and Beccy Hopfensperger will share the deputy role, while outgoing leader Hicks remains in place until the AGM on May 21.

The election produced a dramatic shift: Conservatives dropped from 44 to nine seats, Reform UK secured 41 seats, Greens 13, Labour three, Liberal Democrats two, and two Independents.

This results in the end of more than two decades of Conservative control of the council.

Matthew Hicks stepped down as leader of the Suffolk County Council Conservative group after eight years, returning to the back benches as Reform UK ended 20 years of Tory rule.

Hicks thanked councillors, staff, stakeholders, businesses, and communities for eight years of service and said he will continue to work for Suffolk residents from the back benches after the AGM.

Hicks indicated his continued commitment to Suffolk from a backbenches role following the annual general meeting.

Christopher Hudson, Reform Group’s likely leader, outlined a plan for the county focused on addressing residents’ needs in light of the electoral outcome.