The Babergh council meeting primarily focused on the election of key council positions and the appointment of members to various committees and working groups. The meeting also included announcements from the newly elected leaders and addressed procedural matters.

1. Election of Chair and Vice Chair of the Council:

   • Elizabeth Malvisi was re-elected as Chair of the Council. She expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted her experiences and achievements over the past year, including attending various community events and supporting the Star Valley Men's Shed charity.
   • Ruth Henry was elected as Vice Chair. She was praised for her tenacity and caring nature. Henry expressed her eagerness to work with the Chair and learn from her.

2. Election of Leader of the Council:

   • Deborah Saw was elected as the Leader of the Council. The coalition's rotating leadership policy was noted, and Saw was commended for her hard work and attention to detail. She is the first Green Leader of Babergh District Council.
   • Saw announced that the Cabinet would remain unchanged for the near future, with Councillor Ward as the statutory Deputy Leader and Councillor Busbee as the Political Deputy Leader.

3. Leader's Announcements:

   • Deborah Saw outlined the council's vision focusing on a revitalised environment, a thriving economy, and community support. She emphasized the need for good quality housing, addressing climate change, and supporting vulnerable residents.
   • Saw highlighted the council's financial challenges and the need for innovative solutions. She mentioned ongoing and future initiatives, such as improving council housing, supporting community-led housing, and encouraging local renewable energy plans.

4. Designation of Committees and Joint Committees:

   • The council approved the composition of various committees, including the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Planning Committee, Licensing and Regulatory Committee, Joint Audit and Standards Committee, and Joint Appointments Committee.

5. Election of Chairs and Vice Chairs of Committees:

   • Merrick McFarrah was elected as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with John Wyman as Vice Chair.
   • Councillor Plum was elected as Chair of the Planning Committee, with John Wyman as Vice Chair.
   • Councillor Lee Jameson was re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.
   • Councillor Bryn Haren was re-elected as co-chair of the Joint Audit and Standards Committee.
   • Councillor Jameson was elected as co-chair of the Joint Appointments Committee.

6. Appointments to Outside Bodies and Working Groups:

   • The council approved appointments to various outside bodies and working groups, including the Suffolk Enhanced Bus Partnership, Shared Revenues Partnership Joint Committee, Suffolk Joint Standards Board, Joint Gypsy and Traveller Steering Group, and several council working groups.

7. Appointment of Champions:

   • Councillor Saw was appointed as the Armed Forces Champion.
   • Councillor Ward was appointed as the Mental Health Champion.

8. Procedural Matters:

   • Apologies for absence were received from several councillors.
   • The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
   • There were no declarations of interest.
   • No public or councillor questions were raised.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of the next council meeting scheduled for the 25th of June.