ELECTION OF LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
To elect the Leader of the Council for the current Term of Office.
Minutes:
6.1 Councillor Arthey MOVED the nomination of Councillor John Ward to be the Leader of the Council, which was SECONDED by Councillor Beer.
6.2 On the question of further nominations Councillor Lindsay stated that he could not support the nomination of Councillor Ward but had no intention of proposing any further nominations. However, he expressed disappointment that there had not been a seat for a Member of the Green Group on the Cabinet,
It was RESOLVED: -
That Councillor John Ward be elected for the full term of four years as Leader of the Council.
6.3 Councillor Ward thanked those who had voted for him and outlined the achievements for the past year and the progress made in the services provided in the District. He knew the role as Leader was hard work but that it was a rewarding role and he looked forward to the challenges ahead. He hoped that he had demonstrated the ability to reach across the Chamber and that the Cabinet would be reflecting this too.
ELECTION OF LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
To elect the Leader of the Council for the current Term of Office.
Minutes:
6.1 A nomination for Councillor Suzie Morley was proposed by Councillor Guthrie and seconded by Councillor Hicks.
6.2 Councillor Mansel proposed Councillor Rachel Eburne, which was duly seconded by Councillor Otton.
6.3 Councillor Eburne stated that as no one party had a majority she believed that there should be a Leader who could ensure a Cabinet where there were portfolio holders from all parties as this is what the electorate would expect. She considered that if she was elected Leader she would be able to carry that through and ensure that all was equal around the table.
6.4 Councillor Mansel commented on her disappointment that the Green Party Leader and Liberal Democrats Leader have tried to work with the Leader of the Conservative and Independent Group but that this had come to nothing. She did not consider it was the most efficient way to run a Council where parties were unable to work together collaboratively.
6.5 The vote for Councillor Morley was 17 For and 17 Against.
6.6 The vote for Councillor Eburne as 17 For and 17 Against.
By the Chair’s casting vote
It was RESOLVED
That Councillor Suzie Morley be appointed Leader of the Council for the current Term of Office.