Suffolk Coastal District Council’s new Chairman is Councillor Chris Blundell.

Cllr Blundell, who represents the Martlesham Ward will be Chairman for the next 12 months, taking on the post from Cllr Mark Newton..

He officially became the district’s first citizen, when he was elected as Chairman of Suffolk Coastal District Council at it’s Annual Council meeting on Thursday, 25th May 2017.

Cllr Blundell, who lives in Martlesham, was first elected to Suffolk Coastal Council in 2007, so has already given a decade of service to the District. He is also a Martlesham Parish Councillor.

“I’m really looking forward to my year in office. I am particularly interested in using this opportunity to promote apprenticeships in the District. From my personal experience, I can testify to the difference they can make to a young person’s life. I could not have achieved what I have in my professional life without my apprenticeship kick starting my career,” said Cllr Blundell.

Cllr Blundell has been married to Christine for 47 years – and readily admits he would struggle to fulfil his work without her support.

Cllr Blundell wants to promote apprenticeships during his year in office. His chosen charities for the year are the life-saving charities of the RNLI and Air Ambulance.


The new Vice-Chairman of the Council is Cllr Nicky Yeo, who represents the Nacton and Purdis Farm Ward.

(Pictured above: Cllr Blundell (left) with his Vice Chairman, Cllr Nicky Yeo.)