In Praise of Dan Cox

I am very sad to see that Dan Cox has resigned as Conservative Leader and County Council Leader. He is doing so for the right reasons, working with VSO in India to provide for some of the very poorest. That's taking "Social Action" to a whole new level! Dan has been a keen champion and a good friend for the last few years. He led the party to a massive victory in the 2009 elections and has steered the authority through the turmoil of Labour's failed unitary bid. He has led the council through economic choppy-waters and remained a focused, decent guy. I, and I am sure politics as a whole, will miss Dan Cox - "a good guy".

Residents matter more than targets, says new County Leader

I am very pleased that our new County Council Leader Daniel Cox wrote a comment on this blog a few days ago and, as a Conservative, I am very impressed with what he had to say. I thought it deserved a wider audience so re-print it in full here. If this is the route we are going down, then the '09 poll can't come soon enough for us...

I am honoured to be leading Norfolk County Council at such an exciting time in local government. Whether or not Brown takes over from Blair, or Cameron takes over from either of them, I believe that the pendulum is firmly swinging away from central government’s command and control.

I will be looking to build upon the work of my predecessor, Shaun Murphy who, ably assisted by the cabinet and officers, has taken Norfolk County Council to be recognised as a 4 star, excellent authority, achieving Beacon status for our services and delivering improved value for money. Our services must continue to improve.

Not just to shoot for the Audit Commission’s stars or to tick the right boxes for the DCLG, but because our residents deserve the best. We do face many challenges. Not least the Comprehensive Spending Review this year, we are likely to have an estimated funding deficit of £25million and although our efficiency project continues to make good progress, we will all be faced with difficult decisions and choices.

Is it me, or are Tory Leaders getting younger these days?

With the news that Norfolk Conservatives have chosen 36 year-old Daniel Cox as their new Leader, it seems that Tory chiefs are getting younger.

After all, the member for Wymondham joins David Cameron (who was 39 when elected) and, of course, the youthful Tory Leader of Norwich City Conservatives (who was 27 when voted in)!!!

Seriously, congratulations Daniel - I hope you get a hold of the reigns at County Hall and show us what a decent Conservative Council can achieve! Well Done - we all have high hopes for you!