Issue - meetings

(i)             The Chief Executive to table for information, the Leaders and composition of each political group.

(ii)           The Council to consider the ratification of the Leader-designate as Leader or to elect the Leader of the Council.

(iii)         To elect the Deputy Leader of the Council.

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive, tabled at the meeting.  As required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the Chief Executive had been notified that the composition of the political Groups on the Council were as follows:-

It was noted that there were two single Members, Councillor Mrs B E Acevedo (UK Independent Party) and Miss S White (Other), who although not part of a political Group constituted the political make-up of the Council. 

In response to a question, the Chief Executive advised that the Leader of the Council was keen to have consistent membership for both the Joint Standards and Investigating & Disciplinary Committees as the skill set required was compatible.  The Chief Executive informed Members that these Committees rarely met and political balance had been considered when allocating these seats.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Councillor Miss M R Lewis was therefore recognised as Leader-designate.  There being no further nominations it was:

RESOLVED

(i)              that the Leader-designate, Councillor Miss M R Lewis, be ratified as Leader of the Council;

Councillor Miss M R Lewis then proposed that Councillor M F L Durham be elected as Deputy Leader of the Council and this was seconded by Councillor D M Sismey.  There being no further nominations it was:

RESOLVED

(i)              that Councillor M F L Durham be elected as Deputy Leader of the Council for the ensuing Municipal Year.