Former leader of Waveney District Council, Mark Bee has returned to the role ahead of the proposed merger with Suffolk Coastal.

Mr Bee, who was elected at the council’s annual meeting, previously led the authority between 2004 and 2011 before taking up the leadership role at Suffolk County Council.

He takes over from Colin Law, who had been due to step down but died at the weekend.

Mr Bee said: “This is a very different council to the one I led until 2011 and so much has been achieved thanks to the leadership of Colin Law, who was a real finisher and helped us to make such fantastic progress.

“In due course, I will lay out my plans for the council but for now, I would just like to say that I am a Waveney man who very much wants to see the best for the people of this district. As we move forward, the interests of Waveney will be absolutely paramount.”

Frank Mortimer is the new chairman of the council and Nick Webb is his deputy.