Norfolk County Council has a new leader, after Kay Mason Billig was elected to the role having toppled her rival.

Mrs Mason Billig was voted in as the Conservative-controlled council's new leader at a meeting of all county councillors at County Hall on Tuesday (May 9).

Mrs Mason Billig, who represents Loddon, won a Conservative group leadership challenge last month.

Andrew Proctor, who had been leader has taken a leave of absence due to ill health.

He had informed his group ahead of the vote at the Tory group's annual meeting that he would not stand for leader.

Norwich Evening News: Norfolk County Council's County Hall headquartersNorfolk County Council's County Hall headquarters (Image: Mike Page)

And Mrs Mason Billig defeated Graham Plant, previously deputy leader of the council, who had stepped in as leader after Mr Proctor's leave of absence.

At County Hall on Tuesday, the full council elected Mrs Mason Billig as leader and she announced who will serve in her cabinet.

She said: "It's not a role I take lightly and I have got big shoes to fill."

Mrs Mason Billig said: "My new administration is about evolution, it's not about revolution."

She said she remained committed to the Norwich Western Link, Long Stratton bypass and the West Winch access road.

But she also said Norfolk was on "the front line" when it comes to climate change and said the authority would work to boost the region's renewables energy industry.

Andrew Jamieson, who represents North Coast, will serve as deputy leader.

Norwich Evening News: Andrew JamiesonAndrew Jamieson (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Bill Borrett will be cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, Alison Thomas will be cabinet member for adult social care.

Penny Carpenter becomes cabinet member for children's services, while Margaret Dewsbury continues as cabinet member for communities and partnerships.

Eric Vardy keeps his environment and waste cabinet post, while Graham Plant continues as cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport.

Jane James takes on corporate services, while Fabian Eagle is cabinet member for economic growth.

Also at the meeting, Conservative Barry Stone was elected chairman of the council.