Agenda item

Mr R Scott, the outgoing Chairman, welcomed everyone to the meeting, and congratulated Members on their successful election/re-election to the Council. He stated that this was a truly historic occasion as it was the start of a 4 year term of office of a newly established Council.  He then proceeded to express his sincere thanks to all those who had helped to maintain the efficient running of services during unprecedented times over the last 12-15 months.

It was proposed by Councillor D Barnes that Councillor Z Mohammed be elected as Chairman of the Council for the 2021/22 municipal year.

The proposer gave a brief history of Councillor Mohammed`s background stating that he had served as a Buckinghamshire County Councillor for 12 years between 2005-2017. He had been Chairman of the former County Council between 2014/15 and had also served as a former Chairman of the Regulatory & Audit Committee and as Cabinet Member for Education & Skills.

In his concluding remarks he stated that his commitment, drive and determination calm approach and teamwork skills would stand him in good stead to fulfilling the requirements of the role. As such he had no hesitation in formally proposing him as Chairman for the ensuing year.

The nomination was seconded by Councillor M Turner, who echoed the proposer`s sentiments.

There being no other nominations, it was

RESOLVED –

That Councillor Z Mohammed be elected as Chairman of the Council for the 2021/22 municipal year.

Councillor Z Mohammed thereupon accepted office, made the necessary declaration and was presented with the Chairman`s chain.

Councillor Mohammed in the Chair

The Chairman addressed the meeting and took the opportunity to express his gratitude to both the proposer and seconder for their kind words. He also thanked the outgoing Chairman and the whole Council for electing him. He then stated that he would endeavour to fulfil the role to the very best of his ability.

The Chairman then made reference to the themes for the ensuing year which aimed to recognise the hard work undertaken during the Covid crisis, and to mark this with numerous civic occasions and receptions, which was particularly significant during the first year of the inception of the new Council. He also highlighted that he intended to provide support to mental health related organisations which had made an immeasurable contribution to those who had been most in need during the pandemic. This included the Armed Forces, the NHS, various organisations within social care settings, schools and charitable and voluntary organisations focusing on this area of work.

The incoming Chairman then extended his heartfelt thanks to Mr Scott for all the hard work undertaken during his Chairmanship, and for over 20 years of service to the Council as a whole. The Chairman presented a gift to Mr Richard Scott and a bouquet to Mrs Scott.

In responding Mr Scott conveyed his sincere thanks to the Chairman for his kind words, and stated that he had been both delighted and honoured to have been part of the shadow and the new unitary authority. He also expressed great appreciation to Councillor Strachan who had served as his deputy during his chairmanship, and to the excellent team of officers and staff for their assistance and support.  Mr Scott presented a bouquet to Mrs Strachan.