Pauline Grove-Jones to leave politics after losing NNDC seat

Pauline Grove-Jones, who was elected chairman of the North Norfolk District Council last year, has announced she will not stand to be a councillor again after losing her Stalham ward seat in the May 4 poll.

Mrs Grove-Jones said it had been “an absolute privilege to serve north Norfolk” as a district and town councillor over the last 16 years, but she was now looking forward to spending more time with her family.

Pauline Grove-Jones, NNDC chair (Image: Newsquest)

The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “I have enjoyed my time as a councillor, meeting so many people and looking after my constituents over the years.

“But things can’t continue the same way forever.

“Overall, the Lib Dems will hold a majority on the council for the next four years, which I am pleased about.

“We’ve been a good council and done a lot of good for the community. North Norfolk has always been a beautiful part of the country.”

The Lib Dems won a majority 25 seats across NNDC’s 32 wards at the election.

READ MORE: North Norfolk District Council 2023 election results

The Liberal Democrats gained a majority at the NNDC local election last week (Image: Adam Barker)

READ MORE: Lib Dems want to form alliance to defeat Broadland Tories

Mrs Grove-Jones, who first became a town councillor in 2007, lost her seat to Conservative Kevin Bayes.

Mr Bayes will represent Stalham ward on the council alongside fellow Tory councillor Matthew Taylor, who held his seat.

Kevin Bayes, a new district councillor for Stalham ward on North Norfolk District Council (Image: Supplied)

“I’m pleased to be representing Stalham as this is my hometown,” Mr Bayes said.

“I’ve been proactive and visible in the community and look forward to representing my town and the people in the community.”

Mr Bayes said he wants to “raise the profile” of Stalham and see the town “valued more in north Norfolk” by securing more funding to provide opportunities for the community.