Councillors voted against a motion that would have reaffirmed Norfolk County Council's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and required updates to both councillor training and the council's existing EDI plan.

The motion, proposed by Cllr Maxine Webb and seconded by Cllr Jo Smith, called on the council to ensure councillors were equipped with the language and tools to actively promote respect and diversity, and to meet their legal obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

It also asked the council to seek input from residents and local organisations when reviewing its equality objectives, and to explore ways to increase representation of women, minority ethnic people, LGBTQ+ communities, disabled people, young people and carers within the council itself.

Following a debate, the motion was put to a vote and lost with 30 votes in favour, 44 votes against, and one abstention.

The council's existing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan remains in place, but the motion to formally recommit to its ambitions and trigger a review of related training and objectives did not pass.