SUFFOLK'S leaders will today meet for the first time since this month's elections, with the highest number of Conservatives representing Ipswich for two decades.

SUFFOLK'S leaders will today meet for the first time since this month's elections, with the highest number of Conservatives representing Ipswich for two decades.

And it is thought that Suffolk County Council leader Jeremy Pembroke will react to criticisms that Ipswich does not rank high enough in Suffolk's order of priorities.

It is believed that at today's meeting, which is the first full county council meeting since the election, he will appoint one of the new Tories as a member of his cabinet.

The Tories gained five seats in the borough from Labour on June 4, and they will join Russell Harsant who has been the lone Ipswich Tory voice for the past four years.

The two most experienced Ipswich Tories are Paul West and Judi Terry, but if either was appointed by Mr Pembroke they would have to give up their portfolio positions on the borough council where they are responsible for transport and leisure services.

The three other newcomers are Carole Debman, Robin Vickery, and Mary Young, although Mrs Young has previously been a county councillor.

The new council has just four Labour members, all of whom represent Ipswich divisions, with the Liberal Democrats the main opposition with 11 county councillors. For the first time, two Greens were elected to Suffolk, including Andrew Stringer who represents Upper Gipping.

The Ipswich successes helped the Conservatives increase their overall majority to 30, with the new composition of the council being: Tories 55, Liberal Democrats 12 (including one Independent), 4 Labour, 2 Greens, one United Kingdom Independence Party, and one other independent.

n. Do you think the county council makes Ipswich a high enough priority? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.