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Chairman
The Chairman of Norfolk County Council is Keith Kiddie (Cons).
The Vice-Chairman is Penny Carpenter (Cons).
Keith Kiddie spent his entire working life as an officer in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers following his education at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
During his military service he travelled extensively around the world and completed numerous tours of duty. On a more local level he served as commander of the Thetford Battle Area, working alongside local councils and statutory bodies in Norfolk.
Since retiring from the Army, Keith has represented Diss and Roydon, both as a South Norfolk District Councillor and more recently as a County Councillor. He also had the honour of serving as the Mayor of Diss in 2014.
As Norfolk County Council chairman, Keith would like to see the county maintain its strong links with the armed forces.
Keith’s main theme for his year as Chairman is “To promote the Armed Forces Covenant”. The Covenant recognises the sacrifice of those serving their country and their families and seeks to ensure they are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged because of their service. It also gives special consideration to those who have been wounded or bereaved.
The Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012 and established the Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant Board. Read more about the Armed Forces Covenant.
Keith is married with three grown up children who all attended schools in Diss. He is currently a governor of Diss High School and his interests include reading history, conducting battlefield tours, DIY and carpentry.
During his military service he travelled extensively around the world and completed numerous tours of duty. On a more local level he served as commander of the Thetford Battle Area, working alongside local councils and statutory bodies in Norfolk.
Since retiring from the Army, Keith has represented Diss and Roydon, both as a South Norfolk District Councillor and more recently as a County Councillor. He also had the honour of serving as the Mayor of Diss in 2014.
As Norfolk County Council chairman, Keith would like to see the county maintain its strong links with the armed forces.
Keith’s main theme for his year as Chairman is “To promote the Armed Forces Covenant”. The Covenant recognises the sacrifice of those serving their country and their families and seeks to ensure they are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged because of their service. It also gives special consideration to those who have been wounded or bereaved.
The Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012 and established the Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant Board. Read more about the Armed Forces Covenant.
Keith is married with three grown up children who all attended schools in Diss. He is currently a governor of Diss High School and his interests include reading history, conducting battlefield tours, DIY and carpentry.
The main duty of the Chairman is to chair meetings of full council. The Chairman is the civic ambassador for the authority, and represents the council at events including citizenship ceremonies, remembrance, community events and royal visits.
The Chairman receives invitations from all parts of the community and attends as many as possible throughout the year. The Chairman is non-political and cannot be involved with political or contentious events.
Chairman's Office
Democratic Services
Ground Floor South Wing
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2DH
Email: chairman@norfolk.gov.uk
Chairman's engagements
27 March - West Suffolk Civic Dinner, The Athenaeum, Bury St Edmunds
26 March - Norfolk & Norwich Novi Sad Association AGM, Central Baptist Church, Norwich
26 March - NUA Ceremony, City Hall, Norwich
23 March - Full Council, County Hall
21 March - St Winnold's Parade, Downham Market
15 March - The Justice Service, King's Lynn Minster
10 March - KLFM Local Hero Awards Ceremony, The Corn Exchange, King's Lynn
9 March - Commonwealth Flag Raising, County Hall
4 March - Citizenship Ceremony, County Hall
3 March - Norfolk Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Lord Lieutenant's Awards, The Army Reserve Centre
26 February - Launch of the King's Lynn Festival Programme, Fermoy Gallery
19 February - AGM of Unison Retired Members, NCC Sports and Social Club
17 February - Full Council, County Hall
14 February - Ceremonial Opening of the King's Lynn Mart
11 February - Reception and briefing by the Army Engagement Team, John Innes Centre
