But Reform UK leaders, despite blocking a motion from opposition councillors asking for the process to be put on hold, said they have yet to decide its stance over the impending sale.

Norfolk County Council agreed an 'in-principle' deal to sell its own company Norse Care - and 20 care homes - to private company Stow Healthcare Group earlier this year, when the Conservatives were in control of the authority.

The people living in the homes - and the staff - would remain under the new ownership.

However, the deal has yet to be concluded and the council had to agree an extension to its contract with Norse Care, which ended in March, to keep running them until July.

In last month's elections, the Conservatives lost control of County Hall, with Reform UK now leading the authority as a minority administration.

At the first meeting of the council since the county went to the ballot box, independent county councillor Alexandra Kemp tabled a motion asking the council to agree to pause and reverse the sell-off.

Alexandra Kemp (Image: Chris Bishop)

Miss Kemp, who represents........

© Norwich Evening News