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Council - Thursday, 21 May 2026 - 6.30 pm
May 21, 2026 at 6:30 pm Council View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Annual Council meeting of North Northamptonshire Council, held on May 21, 2026, saw the election of Councillor Maurice Eglin as Chair and Councillor Andy Sims as Vice-Chair for the 2026/27 municipal year. The meeting also confirmed political group leadership arrangements and made numerous appointments to council committees and outside bodies.
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Councillor Maurice Eglin was elected as the new Chair of North Northamptonshire Council for the 2026/27 municipal year, with Councillor Andy Sims elected as Vice-Chair. Both accepted their nominations and made declarations of acceptance of office.
Confirmation of Political Group Leadership
The Council noted the leadership arrangements for the Reform UK, Conservative, Green, Labour, and Communities Alliance Groups for the 2026/27 municipal year. Councillor Martin Griffiths was confirmed as Leader of the Council, with Councillor Graham Cheatley as Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency & Change. Councillor Helen Harrison leads the Conservative Group, supported by Deputy Leader Councillor David Howes. Councillor Emily Fedorowycz is the Leader of the Green Group, with Councillor James Towns as Deputy Leader. Councillor Mark Pengelly leads the Labour Group, and Councillor David Baker serves as Deputy Leader. Councillor Jim Hakewill is the Leader of the Communities Alliance Group, with Councillor Simon Fairhall as Deputy Leader.
Confirmation of Executive Appointments
The Council noted the Executive appointments and portfolios for 2026/27. Councillor Martin Griffiths holds the position of Leader, with responsibilities including the Big 50,
Human Resources, and Devolution. Councillor Graham Cheatley serves as Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency & Change. Other Executive Members appointed include Councillor Chris Kellett (Adults & Health Partnerships), Councillor Ken Harrington (Assets, Waste & Environmental Protection), Councillor Elizabeth Wright (Children, Education & Families), Councillor Chris McGiffen (Highways & Travel), Councillor Jan O'Hara (Planning & Economic Growth), Councillor Kirk Harrison (Regulatory Services), Councillor Gregory Wilcox (Communities), and Councillor Barry O'Brien (Housing, Health and Leisure).
Committee Membership and Appointment of Chairs/Vice-Chairs
The Council approved the committee membership and appointments for the upcoming municipal year, ensuring political proportionality in line with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Councillor Jennie Bone was appointed as Chair of the Planning Committee, and Councillor Denis McLean was appointed as Chair of the Licensing and Appeals Committee. Councillor Jim Hakewill was elected as Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee. The Officer Scheme of Delegation was also noted, granting the Monitoring Officer authority to make in-year changes to committee memberships in consultation with political group leaders.
Outside Bodies Appointments
The Council noted the list of current Outside Bodies and approved its representation on Community Outside Bodies. Councillor Jennie Bone was appointed to the Kettering General Hospital Governance Council. The appointments made by the Leader of the Council to Strategic Outside Bodies were also noted.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Election of Vice-Chair of North Northamptonshire Council
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of North Northamptonshire Council resolved that Councillor Andy Sims be elected as Vice-Chair of North Northamptonshire Council for the Municipal Year 2026/2027. This decision was made on 21/05/2026.
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Outside Bodies
Recommendations ApprovedNorth Northamptonshire Council's Council on 21/05/2026 approved the Council representation on Community Outside Bodies and noted the list of current Outside Bodies and appointments made by the Leader of the Council to Strategic Outside Bodies. The Council noted the list of current Outside Bodies and approved Council representation on Community Outside Bodies.
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Committee Membership and Appointment of Chairs/Vice Chairs of Committees
Recommendations ApprovedNorth Northamptonshire Council decided on 21/05/2026 to note proportionality rules and appointments made by political groups. The Council also approved the appointment of Chairs and Vice Chairs for various committees. The Officer Scheme of Delegation grants the Monitoring Officer authority for in-year committee membership changes in consultation with political group leaders.
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Confirmation of Executive Appointments
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of North Northamptonshire Council on 21/05/2026 approved the Executive appointments and portfolios made by the Leader of the Council for 2026/27. The decision noted the portfolio responsibilities assigned to specific councillors, including Leader, Deputy Leader, and Executive Members for various areas such as Finance, Adults & Health Partnerships, and Children, Education & Families.
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Confirmation of Political Group Leadership
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of North Northamptonshire Council decided to note the leadership arrangements for the Reform UK, Conservative, Green, Labour, and Communities Alliance Groups for 2026/27. This decision was made on 21/05/2026.
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Election of Chair of North Northamptonshire Council
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of North Northamptonshire Council resolved that Councillor Maurice Eglin be elected as Chair of North Northamptonshire Council for the Municipal Year 2026/2027 on 21/05/2026.
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