Agenda item

To appoint the Chairman of the Council for the ensuing municipal year.

Councillor G A Allman said a few words regarding his year as Chairman of the Council.  He welcomed recently elected new and returning members.  He also felt it would be remiss of him not to welcome Princess Charlotte, daughter of Prince William and Kate.  He stated that it had been a great honour to act as the Council’s Chairman, representing North West Leicestershire with his Consort Charmaigne.  He referred to two events which particularly stood out as they were of great historical significance.  The first event being the centenary of the outbreak of the great war which had been commemorated with a week of remembrance.  He made reference to the large number of people who had congregated in Coalville, in churches and at memorials to remember those fallen in conflicts past.  He added that veterans had been remembered from all over the commonwealth and allied forces who made the ultimate sacrifice.  The Chairman expressed special thanks to the Royal British Legion.  The second event was the reinterment of King Richard III in Leicester Cathedral, which he and his Consort, Charmaigne, had attended on 26 March.  They were just two of the 300 dignitaries invited, which included all the Mayors, Chairmen and MPs of the county, in the company of members of the Royal Family.  In all, 600 people filled the church with many thousands outside and TV coverage worldwide followed by many millions. 

Councillor G A Allman expressed special thanks to the members, officers and staff who had supported his family during his hospitalisation.  He commented that best wishes and offers of support had come from all sides of the chamber; a sign of true humanity and friendship which he would never forget.  He also highlighted the unselfish support given by the Deputy Chairman, Councillor J Bridges, who had represented the Council along with his wife Annette, during his absence throughout January, February and March.  He added that should Councillor J Bridges be successful in taking the Chair tonight, he was confident that the Council would be in a safe pair of hands.

Councillor G A Allman presented his Consort with a bouquet of flowers as a small token of his appreciation.

Councillor R Blunt thanked Councillor G A Allman for what he had done on behalf of the Council.  He made reference to his incredible bravery throughout his hospitalisation. 

Nominations were sought for the Chairman for the ensuing municipal year.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt that Councillor J Bridges be appointed as Chairman of the Council for 2015/16.

The motion was seconded by Councillor V Richichi.

Upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor J Bridges be appointed Chairman of the Council for 2015/16.

Councillor J Bridges then took the Chair and the retiring Chairman invested him with the Chain of Office.  The Chairman signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Chairman thanked Members for their kind words and for electing him as Chairman. 

The Chairman invested his Consort with her Chain of Office.

The Chairman presented Councillor G A Allmanwith his past Chairman's badge and proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Chairman.