The meeting was primarily focused on the election of the new Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor, along with votes of thanks to the outgoing officials. The meeting also included tributes to recently deceased Aldermen and the establishment of committees for the upcoming year.

1. Election of Lord Mayor: Councillor Andrew Varney was elected as the new Lord Mayor. Councillor Clark proposed the motion, highlighting Andrew's dedication and people skills. Councillor Blanking's up seconded the motion, emphasizing Andrew's experience as Deputy Lord Mayor and his commitment to the Council and the city. The motion was carried unanimously.

2. Election of Deputy Lord Mayor: Councillor Paul Goggin was elected as the Deputy Lord Mayor. Councillor Zowie-Pete proposed the motion, noting Paul's resilience and dedication despite health challenges. Councillor Classic seconded the motion, wishing Paul a less dramatic year. The motion was carried unanimously.

3. Tributes to Outgoing Officials:

   • Paul Goggin: Several councillors, including Councillor Tom Renard and Councillor Paula Rourke, praised Paul for his service as Lord Mayor, highlighting his recovery from a severe illness and his recent marriage.
   • Paula Rourke: Councillor McAllister and Councillor Mark Weston thanked Paula for her service as Deputy Lord Mayor, noting her dedication and ability to manage Council meetings effectively.

4. Tributes to Deceased Aldermen:

   • Peter Abraham: Councillors Rob Briar, Brickels, Stephen Williams, and Richard Eddy paid tribute to Peter Abraham, highlighting his long service, effective oratory, and dedication to Bristol. Peter served as a councillor for over 55 years and was a three-term Lord Mayor.
   • Brian Richards: Councillor Brickels and Richard Eddy also paid tribute to Brian Richards, noting his long service as a councillor and his contributions to various community organizations.

5. Establishment of Committees: The Council approved the establishment of committees for the year 2024-2025, along with the allocation of seats and appointment of members to these committees. The motion was carried unanimously.

6. Appointment of Leader and Deputy Leader:

   • Leader: Councillor Tony Dyer was appointed as the Leader of the Council. In his address, Tony emphasized the importance of cross-party collaboration and the responsibility of councillors to make informed decisions for the benefit of Bristol's residents.
   • Deputy Leader: Councillor Heather Mack was appointed as the Deputy Leader. The motion was carried unanimously.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the next full Council meeting on Tuesday, 9th July, and an invitation to refreshments in the Queen Elizabeth Conference Hall.