Councillor Carli Harper has been elected as the new Leader of the Labour Group at Norwich City Council, following a meeting of Labour councillors this week. Councillor Mike Stonard graciously stepped aside after 3 years as Leader of the Council to allow councillor Harper to lead the group as Norwich Labour begins a new chapter in opposition following the recent local elections. Speaking after her election, Councillor Harper said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been elected Leader of Norwich Labour Group. “Norwich Labour has a proud record of delivering for our city, from finally unlocking the regeneration of Anglia Square, to bringing East Norwich into public ownership, improving council housing standards, supporting residents through our Warm Homes programme, and securing £40 million of investment through Pride in Place for some of our most deprived communities. “While the election results were disappointing for Labour locally, we heard time and again from residents that this was not about dissatisfaction with Norwich City Council itself, but frustration with the national political picture. “That does not diminish the need for reflection and renewal. We must reconnect with residents, listen carefully to communities, and continue evolving how we campaign and communicate. “As we move into opposition, Labour will continue standing up for a fairer, greener and more ambitious Norwich. We will be constructive where we can be, challenging where we need to be, and relentlessly focused on the issues that matter most to local people. “The Green administration does not have a blank cheque, but I genuinely wish them well. Everyone serving Norwich should want this city to succeed. “No longer constrained by the day-to-day responsibilities of running the council, Labour councillors will now be spending even more time out in our communities - listening, campaigning and standing up for residents across Norwich.” “The coming years will be hugely important for Norwich and Norfolk, with local government reorganisation and devolution reshaping how decisions are made. Labour will continue making the case for strong public services, good housing, economic opportunity and a city where everyone can thrive.” “I would like to thank councillor Stonard for his exceptional leadership over the past 3 years and aspire to build on our legacy, of which we can be very proud of”
Councillor Harper added that rebuilding trust with residents and preparing for the future of local government in Norwich would be central priorities for the Labour Group over the coming months.
