WOMEN are set to rule the roost at County Hall!The new leader of Suffolk County Council is set to be Labour's Jane Hore, who has been deputy leader since a Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition took over the reigns of power in 1993.

By Paul Geater

WOMEN are set to rule the roost at County Hall!

The new leader of Suffolk County Council is set to be Labour's Jane Hore, who has been deputy leader since a Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition took over the reigns of power in 1993.

The new deputy leader is set to be Bryony Rudkin, currently executive committee member with responsibility for education.

They were elected as leader and deputy leader of the Labour Group of councillors at a meeting on Saturday, and are expected to be confirmed as council leader and deputy at a full meeting of the authority on December 18.

They took over their new jobs after Chris Mole stood down as council leader following his election as MP for Ipswich last Thursday.

Mr Mole is due to be formally introduced to the House of Commons tomorrow in time for the Chancellor of the Exchequer's autumn statement.

However he is not expected to make his Maiden Speech in the House of Commons for a few weeks.

The council is set to have even more of a woman's touch because Lin Homer is chief executive and the leader of the opposition at County Hall is Sue Sida-Lockett.

The only male group leader is Peter Monk, of the Liberal Democrats – unless you include Richard Kemp who is the only independent on the council.

Ms Hore said: "I am delighted to accept and will work hard to make sure that Labour policies are carried through the County Council to the great benefit of all the people of Suffolk."

Mr Mole is due to have discussions with local Labour Party members in the Town ward of Ipswich about the best time for him to resign his council seat – but at present he remains a member of the county council.