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Annual Council, The Council - Thursday, 9th May, 2024 3.30 pm

May 9, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Watch video of meeting
AI Generated

Summary

The council meeting primarily focused on expressing gratitude towards the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Stephen Hammill, and his wife, Tracy, for their service over the past year. The session included commendations from various councillors, the appointment of a new Deputy Mayor, and the presentation of parting gifts.

1. Appreciation for Outgoing Mayor and Mayoress: The council formally agreed to record appreciation for the services rendered by Councillor Stephen Hammill and Mrs. Hammill. Speakers highlighted the Mayor's dedication, charity work, and role as an ambassador for the city. The implications are a positive reflection on the council's operations and a boost to the community's morale.

2. Appointment of Deputy Mayor: Councillor Nigel Falkard was nominated and appointed as Deputy Mayor for the upcoming year. The decision was unanimous, with no opposing nominations or significant debate. This appointment is crucial for continuity in the council's leadership and ensures that the Deputy Mayor is prepared to step into the Mayor's role if necessary.

3. Presentation of Parting Gifts: The outgoing Mayor presented 36 crystal glasses to the city, intended to enhance the hosting capabilities at Porters for business and charity events. This gesture aims to leave a lasting legacy that supports the city's social and economic engagements.

Interesting Occurrence: The meeting had moments of light-heartedness, including a birthday acknowledgment for David Stanley from the Music Man Project, adding a personal touch to the proceedings. This illustrates the council's close-knit community atmosphere. The council meeting primarily focused on the annual transition of mayoral duties, including prayers, nominations, and expressions of gratitude towards outgoing officials. The session also introduced new and returning councillors, highlighting their backgrounds and contributions.

1. Election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor: Councillor Ron Woodley was elected as the new Mayor, and Councillor Nigel Forkard as Deputy Mayor. The nominations were uncontested and supported by speeches that outlined their previous contributions and personal backgrounds. The implications include a continuation of community-focused initiatives, with an emphasis on local services, youth engagement, and economic challenges.

2. Acknowledgements to Outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor: The council expressed gratitude to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Stephen Habermel, and Deputy Mayor. Accolades were given for their service, particularly noting Stephen's efforts in charity, community engagement, and maintaining the dignity of the office. This transition marks a continuation of civic traditions and appreciation for dedicated public service.

Interesting Occurrence: The meeting had moments of light-heartedness, especially when discussing personal anecdotes and the outgoing Mayor's reflections on his term, which included humorous and heartfelt stories from his engagements and duties.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to civic duty and community service, with a smooth transition of leadership and a strong emphasis on acknowledging the contributions of its members.

Attendees

Alan Richards
Claire Shuter
Colin Ansell
Susan Zeiss
Mark Harvey
Profile image for Councillor Stephen Habermel
Councillor Stephen Habermel  Conservative Party •  Chalkwell Ward
Profile image for Councillor Stephen Aylen
Councillor Stephen Aylen  Non-Aligned •  Belfairs Ward
Profile image for Councillor Martin Berry
Councillor Martin Berry  Non-Aligned •  St Lukes Ward
Profile image for Councillor Margaret Borton
Councillor Margaret Borton  Labour Party •  Victoria Ward
Profile image for Councillor Kevin Buck
Councillor Kevin Buck  Conservative Party •  Prittlewell Ward
Profile image for Councillor Laurie Burton
Councillor Laurie Burton  Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, and SEND •  Labour Party •  Blenheim Park Ward
Profile image for Councillor Colin Campbell
Councillor Colin Campbell  Conservative Party •  Southchurch Ward
Profile image for Councillor Owen Cartey
Councillor Owen Cartey  Conservative Party •  West Leigh Ward
Profile image for Councillor Paul Collins
Councillor Paul Collins  Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets, Investments and Public Transport - Liberal Democrat Group Leader •  Liberal Democrats •  Eastwood Park Ward
Profile image for Councillor James Courtenay
Councillor James Courtenay  Leader of Conservative Group •  Conservative Party •  Chalkwell Ward
Profile image for Councillor Daniel Cowan
Councillor Daniel Cowan  Leader of the Council •  Labour & Co-operative Party •  St Laurence Ward
Profile image for Councillor Tony Cox
Councillor Tony Cox  Leader of the Southend Reform UK Group •  Reform UK •  West Shoebury Ward
Profile image for Councillor Meg Davidson
Councillor Meg Davidson  Conservative Party •  Prittlewell Ward
Profile image for Councillor Alan Dear
Councillor Alan Dear  Conservative Party •  Belfairs Ward
Profile image for Councillor Matt Dent
Councillor Matt Dent  Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Business •  Labour & Co-operative Party •  Kursaal Ward
Profile image for Councillor Fay Evans
Councillor Fay Evans  Conservative Party •  West Leigh Ward
Profile image for Councillor Nigel Folkard
Councillor Nigel Folkard  Deputy Mayor •  Conservative Party •  Chalkwell Ward
Profile image for Councillor David Garston
Councillor David Garston  Conservative Party •  Prittlewell Ward
Profile image for Councillor Ian Gilbert
Councillor Ian Gilbert  Labour Party •  Victoria Ward
Profile image for Councillor John Harland
Councillor John Harland  Conservative Party •  West Shoebury Ward
Profile image for Councillor Lydia Hyde
Councillor Lydia Hyde  Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Waste •  Labour & Co-operative Party •  St Laurence Ward
Profile image for Councillor Anne Jones
Councillor Anne Jones  Deputy Leader - Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing •  Labour Party •  Westborough Ward
Profile image for Councillor Darryl Jones
Councillor Darryl Jones  Deputy Leader of the Southend Reform UK Group •  Reform UK •  Southchurch Ward
Councillor Gabriel Leroy
Profile image for Councillor Kevin Robinson
Councillor Kevin Robinson  Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Major Projects, and Regulatory Services •  Labour Party •  Westborough Ward
Robert Harris
Joanne Stowell
Profile image for Councillor Sam Allen
Councillor Sam Allen  Labour Party •  Milton Ward
Profile image for Councillor Stuart Allen
Councillor Stuart Allen  Green Party •  Leigh Ward
Profile image for Councillor Susan Badger
Councillor Susan Badger  Independent •  Thorpe Ward
Profile image for Councillor Madison Faulkner-Hatt
Councillor Madison Faulkner-Hatt  Labour Party •  St Laurence Ward
Profile image for Councillor Irene Ferguson
Councillor Irene Ferguson  Labour Party •  Kursaal Ward
Profile image for Councillor Shahid Nadeem
Councillor Shahid Nadeem  Labour & Co-operative Party •  Blenheim Park Ward
Profile image for Councillor James Moyies
Councillor James Moyies  Conservative Party •  West Shoebury Ward
Profile image for Councillor Dave Poulton
Councillor Dave Poulton  Liberal Democrats •  Eastwood Park Ward
Profile image for Councillor Nick Ward
Councillor Nick Ward  Independent •  Shoeburyness Ward
Profile image for Councillor Carole Mulroney
Councillor Carole Mulroney  Liberal Democrats •  Leigh Ward
Profile image for Councillor Maxine Sadza
Councillor Maxine Sadza  Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities •  Labour Party •  Milton Ward
Profile image for Councillor Jack Warren
Councillor Jack Warren  Conservative Party •  Belfairs Ward
Profile image for Councillor Daniel Nelson
Councillor Daniel Nelson  Conservative Party •  Southchurch Ward
Profile image for Councillor Cheryl Nevin
Councillor Cheryl Nevin  Labour Party •  Milton Ward
Profile image for Councillor Lesley Salter
Councillor Lesley Salter  Conservative Party •  West Leigh Ward
Profile image for Councillor Richard Longstaff
Councillor Richard Longstaff  Green Party •  Leigh Ward
Profile image for Councillor Jane Norman
Councillor Jane Norman  Labour Party •  St Lukes Ward
Profile image for Councillor Judith McMahon
Councillor Judith McMahon  Conservative Party •  Shoeburyness Ward
Profile image for Councillor Mandy O'Connor
Councillor Mandy O'Connor  Labour Party •  Victoria Ward
Profile image for Councillor Pamela Kinsella
Councillor Pamela Kinsella  Labour Party •  Westborough Ward
Profile image for Councillor Donna Richardson
Councillor Donna Richardson  Labour & Co-operative Party •  Blenheim Park Ward
Profile image for Councillor Steven Wakefield
Councillor Steven Wakefield  Independent Group Lead Spokesperson •  Independent •  Shoeburyness Ward
Profile image for Councillor Martin Terry
Councillor Martin Terry  Cabinet Member for Community Safety •  Independent •  Thorpe Ward
Profile image for Councillor Robert McMullan
Councillor Robert McMullan  Liberal Democrats •  Eastwood Park Ward
Profile image for Councillor Ron Woodley
Councillor Ron Woodley  Mayor •  Independent •  Thorpe Ward
Profile image for Councillor Kathy Murphy
Councillor Kathy Murphy  Non-Aligned •  St Lukes Ward