Conservative Mark Bee has been confirmed as leader of Suffolk County Council for the next four years.

His re-appointment to the job was a formality at yesterday’s annual meeting of the council following the local elections earlier this month.

Former cabinet member for roads and transport Guy McGregor was confirmed as the new county council chairman, Kesgrave councillor Christopher Hudson will be the new deputy chairman.

Mr Bee confirmed a shake-up of the council’s constitution following his re-election.

He said: “We can do more to reach out, to listen, to engage and to communicate with people across Suffolk.

“If this administration has one extra priority over the coming four years, it is to listen, engage and communicate like never before.

“There are so many councillors round this chamber who dedicate countless hours each week to serving the public. But collectively we can, and must, do more.

“At the same time, I fully recognise the changed make-up of the council chamber, and am determined to involve councillors from across the chamber much more closely in our decision-making process.”

He introduced new committees to draw up policies that will be taken on by cabinet members.

Labour’s Sandy Martin is the new official leader of the opposition.

He said: “Labour councillors have urged, and will continue to urge, this council to invest in the future of our residents – that is the way to bring jobs to our county – that is the way to show our voters that we are doing what it takes to ensure they all have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to our County.”

Cabinet appointments made at the AGM are:

Mark Bee, leader of the county council and cabinet member for resource management

Lisa Chambers deputy leader and the cabinet member for education, skills and young people.

Graham Newman will be the cabinet member for roads and transport.

Colin Noble, the cabinet member for finance

Colin Spence, the cabinet member for public protection and voluntary sector liaison.

Alan Murray as cabinet member for health and adult care,

Richard Smith as cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning,

Beccy Hopfensperger in a new role as cabinet member for localities.