David Bick was elected Leader of Norfolk County Council at the authority's annual meeting on 28 May, winning 39 votes to 31 with eight abstentions. He was nominated by Deputy Leader Robin Hunter-Clarke and will also hold the Cabinet Member portfolio for Budget Responsibility.

Julian Kirk was elected Chair of the Council for the 2026/27 municipal year, beating off a challenge from Cllr Robert Savage in a close contest — Savage's nomination fell by just one vote, 38 to 39. Kirk then used his new casting vote to break a dead-level tie in the Vice Chair election, defeating Labour's Dan Roper 39-39 before Cllr Mike Westman was confirmed in the role with 38 votes for.

The new Cabinet takes shape with ten portfolio holders. Hunter-Clarke becomes Deputy Leader with responsibility for Strategy and Local Government Reorganisation — a significant brief given the county's ongoing devolution discussions. Scott Hussey will lead on Adult Social Care and Public Health, Wendy Atkinson on Children, Families and SEND, and Tom Dickerson on Highways and Transport.

Council also formally noted the return of 84 newly elected councillors following the May 2026 county elections, which reshaped the political make-up of the chamber. The meeting paid tribute to outgoing Chair Tom FitzPatrick, who thanked his consort Margaret and former Vice Chair Robert Savage for their support during his year in office.

Kirk set "Supporting Norfolk" as his theme for the coming year.