Reform's Michael Hadwen elected as Suffolk County Council leader
Reform UK's Michael Hadwen was elected leader of Suffolk County Council on Thursday, with opposition councillors challenging his appointment over his lack of experience and demanding an apology for his previous posts on social media.
Why it matters: The vote marks the first change of administration at Suffolk County Council in years and puts Reform in control of the authority following the May elections, with the new leader pledging to put "Suffolk first" and reform how the council operates.
The details: Cllr Hadwen was appointed leader at the council's annual general meeting on Thursday, 21 May, and elected with 38 votes in favour (despite Reform having 41 seats on the council), 27 against and two abstentions.
- He won what was understood to be a three-way leadership contest with former Conservatives Christopher Hudson and Philip Faircloth-Mutton.
- In nominating Cllr Hadwen, Cllr Faircloth-Mutton referenced Ipswich.co.uk's earlier reporting on his own interest in the leadership, saying he had instead been working in partnership with Cllr Hadwen.
- Cllr Louis Busuttil, Reform UK councillor for the Mildenhall division, was elected chairman of the council for the coming year, with Cllr Kerrie Turner elected as vice-chairman.
What they're saying: In his first speech as leader, Cllr 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."
He added: "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
The other side: Opposition councillors raised concerns about Hadwen's appointment. Cllr Andrew Stringer, leader of the Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent Group, questioned Cllr Hadwen's lack of experience as a councillor and raised concerns about previous social media activity associated with the new leader, as first reported by this publication.
Oliver Rouane-Williams
His concerns were echoed by all other opposition leaders.
Cllr Hadwen chose not to respond.
The cabinet: The cabinet was also confirmed:
- Cllr Philip Faircloth-Mutton – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
- Cllr Vicky Armstrong – Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Efficiency
- Cllr Simon Aalders – Cabinet Member for Children's Services
- Cllr Tony Gould – Cabinet Member for Education and SEND
- Cllr Christopher Hudson – Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways
- Cllr Tristan Gale – Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and Fire Service
- Cllr June Mummery – Cabinet Member for Coastal Affairs, Communities and Public Health
- Cllr Morgan Brobyn – Cabinet Member for Food, Waste and Rural Affairs
What's next: The next scheduled meeting of the full county council is on Thursday, 16 July 2026.
The bottom line: After years of Conservative leadership, Suffolk County Council enters a new era under Reform. Cllr Hadwen takes the reins with a promise to put Suffolk first – now he must deliver on that promise.
More on yesterday's AGM to follow.
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