Kay Mason Billig faces calls to resign after government row

edp24.co.uk · Feb 19, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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The leader of Norfolk County Council is facing an attempt to unseat her, amid the deepening crisis sparked by the U-turn over council elections. An email has been circulated among all members of the authority urging them to join attempts to force Kay Mason Billig to stand down. It was written by Simon Ring, an independent councillor, who accused the leader of having brought the council "into disrepute" with her response to the U-turn. Kay Mason Billig, leader of Norfolk County Council (Image: Denise Bradley) Following the announcement, Ms Mason Billig gave a speech at County Hall in which she said she was unilaterally withdrawing the authority from the local government reform (LGR) and devolution process. She also called Steve Reed, the local government secretary, a "bastard" and a "bully" and accused him of threatening to withdraw funding from the county if she spoke out against his original decision to cancel the elections. Mr Ring - who had pledged to resign his seat and force a by-election in protest at the decision to scrap the elections - said her speech was "profoundly unprofessional” and called on all parties to force her resignation. WNC deputy leader Simon Ring (Image: Simon Ring) He wrote: "We are elected representatives of Norfolk. "Our conduct reflects not only on ourselves, but on this entire authority. “To use abusive language about a government minister in a formal council setting calls Norfolk County Council into disrepute. “It diminishes the seriousness of the chamber and undermines public confidence in our leadership. "For that alone, there should be consequences." Mr Ring, who is also deputy leader of West Norfolk Council, questioned the basis on which she had withdrawn from the LGR process, a decision opponents say could end up costing the council millions in government investment. He said her announcement was "constitutionally alarming in itself" and that she had no power to pull out of the process. "It is deeply concerning that the leader appeared to believe she could unilaterally withdraw Norfolk from a process that is not hers to cancel," he said. "Even if such a course were being contemplated, it would require proper constitutional process, formal debate, and a clear mandate of full council. “It cannot be declared by personal announcement." Norfolk County Council HQ in Norwich (Image: Mike Page) He warned that the episode was part of a pattern in which "significant positions and announcements are made without meaningful engagement with the wider council" "That approach shows a disregard for the equal democratic mandate of every member of this authority," he said. "Norfolk County Council is not a private cabinet committee, it is a democratic institution made up of elected representatives from across our county." "This is not about party politics. It is about standards, governance and respect for the office we hold. "Leadership requires steadiness, judgment and professionalism, especially in moments of disagreement. On this occasion, those standards were not met. "For the good of the council, to restore confidence in our governance, and to uphold the reputation of Norfolk County Council, I believe the leader should step aside immediately." When approached by this newspaper on Wednesday, Ms Mason Billig refused to say whether she would stand again in May's elections but defended her comments. She has been approached for further comment Meanwhile, Mr Reed is also facing calls to resign.