The rest of the district is largely rural, containing many towns and villages, including several seaside resorts.

The neighbouring districts are Babergh, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk, South Norfolk and Great Yarmouth.

[3] Although it has the same name, the modern district covers a smaller area than the former administrative county of East Suffolk, which was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972.

The whole district is also covered by civil parishes, which form a third tier of local government.

The shadow authority was led by Conservative councillor Mark Bee, leader of the outgoing Waveney District Council.

[13] The council is based at East Suffolk House, opposite Melton railway station.