The meeting primarily focused on the election of council positions and the outlining of future council priorities. Key positions such as Chair, Vice Chair, and Leader of the Council were filled, and several announcements were made regarding the council's plans and challenges.

1. Election of Chair and Vice Chair:

   • Councillor Elizabeth Malvisi was unanimously re-elected as Chair of the Council. She expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted her experiences and achievements from the past year.
   • Councillor Ruth Henry was elected as Vice Chair. She was praised for her tenacity and caring nature.

2. Election of Leader of the Council:

   • Councillor Deborah Saw was elected as the new Leader of the Council. She was noted for her hard work, tenacity, and attention to detail. Councillor Saw is the first Green Leader of Baber District Council.

3. Leader's Announcements:

   • Councillor Saw outlined the council's focus on improving the environment, building a thriving economy, and supporting communities. She emphasized the need for good quality housing, combating climate change, and supporting vulnerable residents.
   • She mentioned the financial challenges the council faces and the need for innovative solutions and community empowerment.
   • Key priorities include improving council housing, encouraging community-led housing, supporting renewable energy plans, and working with partners like Citizens Advice to help people through the cost of living crisis.

4. Designation of Committees and Joint Committees:

   • Various committees were designated, 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:

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

6. Appointments to Outside Bodies and Working Groups:

   • Councillors were appointed 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:

   • Councillors were appointed as Armed Forces Champion and Mental Health Champion.

8. Questions and Procedural Matters:

   • The meeting concluded with procedural matters, including questions by the public and councillors, and the announcement of the next meeting date.