I would like to start by thanking all those whose votes ensured I was re-elected.

In the run up to the election, I met many people “on the doorstep”, as I visited all the communities in my division.  You re-iterated many of the things you have told me over the last four years, in person and via your Parish Councils:

·         You want a continued focus on improving road safety

·         You want to see our roads maintained, particularly where potholes are concerned

·         You want the issue of Affordable Homes addressed

During the coming weeks and months I will pursue these things and report back to you, via Parish Council, this Blog and, as and when I meet you.

By far the largest feedback came concerning recent events at central government - MP expenses.  You are very angry with all the main parties, for what has happened and many of you predicted that UKIP would benefit from “Protest” votes in the European elections – and I believe you have been proved correct.  To build confidence in your local County Council members we will be publishing our detailed expenses on the Web from now on, I hope this will demonstrate that we take our responsibility to protect your Council Tax money very seriously.

On the subject of ensuring we are safeguarding public money, I shall be continuing as a County Council Cabinet member.  With expanded responsibilities for Corporate Services including Finance, Human Resources, ICT (Information, Communications and Technology), as well as my previous responsibilities for the County Councils NORSE group of companies and our Efficiency Programme.  This is very important to me, as it will allow me to build on previous success, but also learn from past experience.  Some key things to build from include:

• The Norfolk County Council’s Efficiency Programme, which provided £58 million savings over the last four years.  This helped to minimise council tax rises
• County Council companies that now make a significant contribution to the Norfolk economy, by providing 6,000 jobs, spending £100 million a year in Norfolk and contributing £5 million a year to council funds. 

So, moving forward, I will balance my responsibility to represent you well, with my Cabinet role, where I will seek to drive efficiencies to benefits the whole of Norfolk.