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A Norwich councillor has resigned from his role to focus on his duties as an MP in Suffolk. Dr Peter Prinsley, MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, announced he would be stepping down from his position on Norwich City Council. Dr Prinsley has attended few meetings at City Hall since his victory over the border at last summer's general election but has remained councillor for Bowthorpe until now.
He was elected to Norwich City Counci l in 2023 and described his time on the council as a "huge privilege". The former Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Marian Prinsley, with Dr Peter Prinsley outside City Hall (Image: Denise Bradley) A spokesman for the MP said: "He is grateful for the opportunity to have represented such a vibrant community. "As he now focuses on his role as the MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, Dr Prinsley remains committed to serving the public and ensuring that the voices of local people are heard.
"While stepping down from his position on Norwich City Council, Dr Prinsley would like to acknowledge the dedication of the Labour-led authority. "He will continue to advocate for the interests of communities both locally and nationally, building on the work he has done in Bowthorpe and beyond." READ MORE: Leader says it will be 'mammoth task' to scrap and replace Norfolk's councils There will be a by-election held in Norwich to find a new councillor for Bowthorpe ward.
The announcement comes after Terry Jermy, Labour MP for South West Norfolk, revealed he had left his posts at Breckland District Council and Norfolk County Council. Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk (Image: Roger Harris) He had served as a Breckland district councillor for 14 years and held his Norfolk County Council seat for 12 years. Mr Jermy intended to remain a councillor until the county council elections in May this year, but these have now been deferred due to local government reorganisation.
The government's devolution and reorganisation plans will pave the way for councils to be abolished and replaced, along with the creation of a mayor covering Norfolk and Suffolk. Dr Prinsley has already spoken to ministers about setting up an official mayoral office in Suffolk and argued Bury St Edmunds would be easily accessible from both counties..
