Agenda item

(i)             To consider the report of the Chief Executive on the Leaders and composition of each political group (copy to follow).

(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 was as follows:

It was noted that there were a further four Members of the Council not aligned to a political group.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Councillor S J N Morgan was therefore recognised as Leader-designate.

The Chairperson moved recommendation (i) and this was duly seconded.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor R H Siddall requested a recorded vote. 

The Chairperson put recommendation (i) to the Council, to elect the Leader-designate (Councillor S J N Morgan) and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors D O Bown, J R Burell-Cook, M F L Durham, A S Fluker, L J Haywood, K M H Lagan, W J Laybourn, S J N Morgan, C P Morley, M G Neall, R G Pratt, W Stamp, J C Stilts, M E Thompson, S White and L L Wiffen.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, V J Bell, S J Burwood, S Dodsley, J Driver, A Fittock, J C Hughes, K Jennings, A M Lay, R H Siddall, U G C Siddall-Norman, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, E L Stephens and N J Swindle.

Abstention:

There were none.

The Chairperson declared that Councillor Morgan was therefore ratified as Leader of the Maldon District Council for the ensuing municipal year.

At this point, Councillor Morgan paid tribute to his predecessor, Councillor R H Siddall, and the work he had done for the residents of the District.

RESOLVED

(i)             that the Leader-designate, Councillor S J N Morgan be ratified as Leader of the Council;

The Chairperson then called for nominations to the position Deputy Leader of the Council.

Councillor S J N Morgan nominated Councillor M E Thompson, and this was duly seconded.

There being no other nominations, the Chairperson declared that Councillor Thompson was duly elected as Deputy Leader of the Council.

RESOLVED

(ii)            that Councillor M E Thompson be elected as Deputy Leader of the Council for the ensuing Municipal Year.

Councillor S White left the meeting at this point and did not return.

At this point, Councillor E L Stephens referred to having worked with Councillor Siddall for five years. She noted that she had joined the Council during the difficult Covid period and that under his leadership the situation had been transformed. She expressed her personal thanks to Councillor Siddall and the work he had done for the Council.