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AGM, Council - Tuesday, 21st May, 2024 5.00 pm
May 21, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meetingTranscript
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Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [BLANK_AUDIO]
Transcript
for live and subsequent broadcast by way of the Council's internet site. The images and sound recording may also be used for training purposes within the Council. As you will see from the agenda papers, generally the public seating areas are not filmed. However, by entering the meeting room and using the public seating area, you are consenting to be filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings for webcasting and/or for training purposes. As well as being broadcast live, a recording version will be available on the Council's website about 24 hours after the meeting. Would members please use their microphones to contribute to the meeting and please remember not to get too close to the microphone and also to switch off their microphone when you were finished. I move now to item 1. I receive apologies from the following Councillors. Councillor Baker, Westhead, Councillor Evans, Councillor Cleverley and Councillor Perkins. Any other apologies? No, we move on to declarations of interest. I will need to declare an interest on item 3 as there are any other declarations of interest. No, I move on. I haven't any announcements to make. So I move straight on to item 2 and that is the appointment of the strategic director of social services leader to move the recommendation of the appointments of committee. Thank you, Poseidon, Member. I would like to give my thanks to all of those elected members that participated in this recruitment process. Thank you very much everyone for giving your time to this really important process. I'm pleased to recommend to you colleagues the appointment of Tanya Evans to the strategic director of social services here in Newport. Tanya is an incredibly experienced practitioner. He leads a cross grant on a number of issues and it's a real privilege to be able to present this to you all today. So thank you, Poseidon, Member. Thank you, Leader. Is the proposed appointment seconded? I would like to remember I second the nomination. Thank you, Councillor. Appointment, sorry. Are there any comments? Any other comments? We will now proceed to vote. Would all Councillors please cast their vote now, start with all those in favour? Yeah, I can't see any against and no abstentions. That's unanimous. I move on now to comments from the Leader. Before we pursue the rest of the agenda for this meeting, I would like to invite the Leader to say a few words. Thank you, Poseidon, Member. Thank you for inviting me to speak. In 2019, when I had the honour and privilege to be elected to this role, in my first address to the Council as Leader, I promised that I would lead with passion, integrity and kindness. I also pay tribute to some key people who've been part of my personal, professional and political life and whose support and wise Council has shaped the Leader that I am today. It seems only right, Poseidon, Member, that I acknowledge them once again as I stand down from this important and influential role. The late Councillor Ron Jones, a dear friend and mentor, we shared a passion for all things Newport, including the county, a fire in our bellies and a desire to do the best for our communities. The late David Taylor, the late former Chief Executive Wales and West Housing Association and Newport City Homes Board Member. His sharp intellect and attention to detail taught me a lot, but what stood out was his integrity. And Poseidon, Member, my own dear father, a kind and gentle, good human man who taught me the value of kindness and the importance of not just what you do, but how you do it as well. Their support, encouragement and wisdom have carried me through some difficult and challenging times. In 2019, none of us could have known what lay ahead. When challenged in the extreme, we pulled together at a time of great uncertainty and instability. We kept people safe. And we ensured that the most essential services continued to function. We did this and we did it together. Officers, members, volunteers, communities, together we were strong. My thanks, Poseidon, Member, to everyone who played a part in keeping Newport safe. Now, what makes a place, what gives a place, both character and strength, is its people. Here in Newport, our people are innovative, creative and resourceful. Our independent businesses, our cultural community, our community groups, our diversity and our resourcefulness is a real strength. Only recently, Poseidon Member, I attended a participatory budgeting event where groups came together to bid for project funding to support initiatives designed to support people with dementia and help us to fulfill our commitment to becoming a dementia friendly city. It was inspirational. And during my time as leader, Poseidon Member, partnership working has underpinned so many of our achievements. The marmot principles that we adopted across the public sector will deliver better outcomes and a better quality of life across the Gwent region. Working with Newport now, business in the community, Cardiff Capital Region and the West and Gateway has consolidated Newport's position. And I have relished representing the authority working together with our partners across the region, across Wales and the wider UK. We've made our mark in advanced manufacturing in the technologies of tomorrow and this has been recently recognized by government with the award of an investment zone status. Now Poseidon Member, the wider local government family has played a role in this too. As Deputy Presiding Officer and WLGA spokesperson for Social Justice, I've championed equality and diversity in public life. This has given me an opportunity to lead on the diversity and democracy and stability in public life campaigns. It has been a privilege to champion diversity and an honour to become the first ever female police and crime commissioner in Wales. Leading on the stability in public life campaign has been important to me both personally and politically. In recent years, Poseidon Member, our citizens have been let down. The standards that they expect of public servants haven't always been maintained. We've seen this in our blue light services and there are too many examples of this at all levels of governance politically. And whilst the significant majority of public servants are diligent and committed, the actions of a small number of people really do impact upon how the public view us. What have I learned from this Poseidon Member? I've learnt that misogyny, bullying and racism sadly still do exist. It's incumbent on us all to drive this out. If you see this, if you observe this and you do not call it out, then you are complicit with it. You are as much to blame as the perpetrator. A lesson to all of us in public life. So Poseidon Member, as I draw to a close, I'd like to give my most heartfelt thanks to all of our officers across the city council for really helping us to take forward and deliver against our corporate plan, for going over and above what is required of them on a daily basis. I'd like to thank all our elected members for the work that they do in their awards, and particularly like to thank both my first cabinet and my second cabinet for the support that they've given me during my time as leader. So here in Newport, with pioneers, we are leading the way. People may not realise this at this time, but history will certainly reveal this. So from the first woman ever to become the Police and Crime Commissioner in GWENT, I'd like to give my congratulations to the first leader of Newport to come from Black Minority Ethnic Origin. Finally, Poseidon Member, I'd like to put on record my thanks to my family without whom I would not be here. Thank you all. Thank you, Leader. Can I thank you on behalf of the council for the work that you've done as leader of this council as well? Thank you very much indeed. I move on now to item three. As I have already declared at the start of the meeting, I have an interest in this item as the current presiding member. Therefore, in accordance with the constitution, I will leave the meeting for this item and will not take part in any discussion or decision on it. The monitoring officer will lead the proceedings for this agenda item. Can I therefore invite a nomination for the appointment of the presiding member, please? Yes, may I nominate a Councillor Paul Cochran, please. Is there a seconder for that, please? The council drew it. Are there any further nominations? No. Are there any declarations of interest? No. We'll proceed with the vote then. Would all Councillors please cast their vote now, starting with those in favour? Those against, please. Any abstentions? That's 31 in favour, 8 against and 2 abstentions. I can therefore confirm that Councillor Cochran was appointed as the presiding member. I would like to congratulate Councillor Cochran and invite him to take over the Chair for the remainder of the meeting. Item 4 is the appointment of a deputy presiding member. I would like to nominate Councillor Screen as the deputy presiding member. Is there a seconder? Councillor Patt through it. Are there any further nominations? No. Right. There are no further nominations in the interest that there should not be a participation to the vote. We'll now proceed to the vote with all Councillors, please cast their vote now, starting with those in favour? Those against? Abstentions? 35, 4, 1 against and 7 abstentions, so duly elected. Councillor Screen as the deputy presiding member. We move on to item 5 now, the appointment of the leader, will someone move the appointment of the leader of the Council? Councillor Jane Mudd. Thank you, presiding member. I'd like to move Councillor Petruni as leader of the Council. Thank you. Is there a seconder? Happy to second that. Thank you very much. Are there any further nominations? Are there any declarations of interest before we vote? We will now proceed to the vote. Would all Councillors, please cast their votes now, starting with all those in favour? Yes. Just one abstention on the screen. There are two abstentions. There are no abstentions in here, I can't see. I think it's been carried, but there is two abstentions. I move the vote as carried. I'd like to move now, then, when the leader comes to Petruni, who has made his speech, I invite contribution from members to speak on this as well, who comes to Petruni. Can I congratulate you on your appointment? Thank you, presiding member. I'd like to thank the Council for their support in this for my leadership. I want to start my speech with a thank you to Jane. I think underplayed her years of leadership, she saw some tough times for this city. People forget too often now, at the start of the pandemic, people would fear for what they would do to our society. People would fear for what was going to happen to mortuaries and what was going to happen to hospitals and leaders across Wales, including Councillor Murdle, who were at the fore of that, along with the previous deputy leader facing that down. I feel it's too often dismissed and she doesn't get the credit she deserves for facing that. That is never an easy task and I'd like to thank her for that leadership of having steadfast in that crisis. I've been elected, I believe, to the best job in Wales. The people of Newport as Councillor Murdle outlined are an incredible people. Fore fright, no nonsense, tell you how it is. I can't think of any better job to represent such people. The potential of the city is enormous as Councillor Murdle outlined and I hope to build upon the incredible work she has done over these years to build an incredible city where everyone can live, work and play. But the people have high expectations and rightly so. Any administration, any leader has to strive to try and meet them and I strive to do my best for the people of Newport. And in that regard, I welcome strong opposition. I've been an opposition leader for nine years. I know it's not an easy job and I welcome the debates we're going to have in the coming years and your experience in wisdom that I do not have and your contributions and thank you for your service to Newport as well. To Labour Group, incredible talented bunch of people, thank you ever so much for your support. I couldn't do it without you and I won't be doing it without you and all your words of wisdom over the coming years and months. The population in Newport is the fastest growing in Wales according to our last census, 9.5%. Underage children under age of 15, Wales as a whole saw 1.5% decrease. Newport saw an increase of 10.2%. We have the next generation of Wales growing in Newport and they face a really uncertain future, AI, the economic crisis, the climate crisis and we're going to have to face that all together. There will be tough decisions that people will disagree with but on the big major topics I hope we can come to a consensus because it will need a strong united voice to deliver for the city. Not an individual, not just me, not just one group, all of us, us as elected councillors and the citizens that live in this wonderful city. I want to face a special note to our voluntary sector and our businesses that do an incredible job, who are the social fabric of this city. Only together will we achieve anything in this city. I'm not foolish enough to believe it's all about me, it's all about us. Thank you, Leader. Are there any comments from any member here? Councillor Chris Reeks. Thank you for joining me. I'd like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and the group to wish Councillor Petruni good luck in his role as the Leader of the Council. Councillor Petruni and myself came into this council at the same time in 2022, has been good to see his enthusiasm and passion as a councillor, sharing some of the values and beliefs as myself as much as we both want the best for the residents of Newport. From other values and beliefs, I'm sure we may differ, but I've enjoyed our exchanges across the floor and in committees to date and look forward to many more as he settles into his new role. Can I also take this opportunity to wish Councillor Murd the outgoing Leader all the very best in her new role and her continued work as a councillor. Her dedication to Newport City Council has been unwavering and she's always strived to achieve what she thought was best for the people of Newport. As the Leader, she's worked hard to promote the city of Newport, wherever she could, helping to carry the name far and wide for the betterment of us all. And for this, we see thank you. Thank you, Councillor Ricks. Any other comments? Oh, right. I thought it was you, what does speak up? Councillor Whitehead. Thank you for saying, remember, obviously, firstly, go to that saying wish Councillor Murd all the best in her new and I would imagine a very challenging role. And also, Councillor Petrucci, I have to say it, I'm always an honest person for my sins. If you read social media and, like particularly today, you have been somewhat handled, a poison chalice won't speak. It isn't going to be an easy ride. People are always the biggest judges and it would be quite savage, so I suggest, from your start, I would not be reading social media because it does, it's not real life. But you have now got a challenging role. You're smart, you're a smart young man, and obviously, quite good, it was an archery skills. And goes to that saying, I wish you all the best. I know this is going to be a challenge for you. We are in massively challenging times, particularly with the city centre and, like, put in a rocket underneath it and getting us over the doors, as I wish you all the best. Thank you, Councillor Whitehead. Councillor HOWALS. Thanks, Mr. President and Member. On behalf of the Lizwelli Independent Group, I'd like to congratulate Councillor Petrucci on his appointment to Leader of the Council. We look forward to a constructive work in relationship, as you've suggested. We really hope the communication lines can be open to work together and listen to ideas and have constructive debate about how we do the best for the residents in your board. Right. Thank you. I can't see any of that. Oh, Councillor Petrucci. For the only member, I want to thank Councillor Mudd for many years of service as Councillor Leader and for the changes you've brought to the city and I wish her every success in a new role. I also want to congratulate Councillor Petrucci on being elected new leader of the Newport City Council. This achievement is a testament to Councillor Petrucci's vision and commitment to community. And I look forward in hope to open guidance and the positive transformation that Councillor Petrucci will bring to the city. Best wishes on this exciting journey ahead. Thank you, Councillor. I can't see any other hand up. So we move on. Leader, do you wish to announce your Cabinet, please? Yes. Thank you, presiding member. The Cabinet will be as follows. Councillor Deb Davis, Education and Early Years. Councillor Laura Lacey, Social Services. Councillor James Clark, Regeneration and Democratic Services. Councillor Saeed Adnan, Housing and Planning. Councillor Patrick Jewett, Communities and Anti-Poverty. Councillor Emma Stal-Corton, Culture and Communities. Councillor Avon, Forcy, Climate Change. Councillor Greenhouse, Assets and Infrastructure. And at this point, presiding member, I put my thanks on the record to Councillor Jason Hughes, Councillor Stephen Marshall and Councillor Debra Harvey for their tireless work over the last two years in their Cabinet roles. I would like to thank them and I hope the Council will thank them for their work as well. Thank you very much, Councillor Petrucci. Councillor Ricks, do you wish to announce your shadow appointments as Deputy Leader of the Opposition Group. Thank you, Executive Member. Yes. Shadow Cabinet will be Councillor Matthew Evans for Economic Growth and Strategic Investment. Councillor Libby, David Fauwether, Education and Early Years. Councillor Chris Reeks, Community Wellbeing. Councillor William Routley, Strategic Planning, Regulation and Housing. Councillor Martin Callaway, Social Services. Councillor Chris Reeks, Organizational Transformation. Councillor John Jones, Climate Change and Viodiversity and Councillor Ray Markford, Infrastructure and Assets. Thank you. Councillor MOSSELL, Councillor HOWARD, sorry. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. The Leader of the Council now, sorry, Item 6, the Leader of the Council now in the Appointments of Chairs of Committees. So will the Leader of the Council move the Appointments of the Chairs of Planning and License Committee first and then we will vote? Yes. Thank you, Presiding Member. Councillor Mark Spencer to Planning. Basically, it's no change and Councillor Kate Thomas. Just a second. Are these proposed appointments seconded? Are there any declarations of interest before we vote? Okay. First, we will vote on the nomination of Councillor Spencer's Planning Committee chair. Would all those Councillors please cast their votes now starting with all those in favour? Assume unanimous. So Councillor Spencer, we move on now to nomination now for Councillor Thomas' License Committee chair. Would all Councillors please cast their vote now starting with all those in favour? Again, unanimous. Yes, unanimous. Right. Well then Councillor Thomas. We now move to the Chairs of Scrutney Committee. The Leader of the Council move the appointment to the Chair of Overview and Scrutney Management Committee. The Leader will move the appointment. Thank you, Presiding Member. I move, Councillor, who reign? Mr Proposer's appointment seconded. Thank you, Leader. Are there any further nominations? Are there any declarations of interest before we vote? Councillor, who reign? Would all Councillors please cast their vote now starting with all those in favour? That's unanimous again. There's no one against them. So congratulations, Councillor HURAIN on that appointment. The Leader of the Council now to move to the appointment of Performance Scrutney Partnerships. Leader will you move the appointment? Thank you, Presiding Member. Please to nominate Councillor John Reynolds. Are there any other further nominations? Are there any decorations of interest before we vote? Councillors, yes. Councillors, would all Councillors please cast their votes now starting with all those in favour? That's unanimous again I think. Congratulations. There's one abstention. Sorry, well, nearly there, but you're still through the chair. The appointment is duly carried. Definitely to the opposition to move the appointment of Chair of Performance Scrutney Committee. Thank you, Presiding Member. I move Councillor David Fower to be the Chair of Performance Scrutney Committee for people. Is the proposed appointment seconded? Yes. Okay. Are there any decorations of interest before we vote? Are there any further nominations? All Councillors, please cast their votes and no stand with all those in favour. 100% again. Are there any abstentions? No. Okay. Congratulations from that appointment. Councillor Morris to move the appointment of the Chair of Performance Scrutney Committee, Place and Corporate. Is there a seconder? Seconded. Right. Okay. Thank you. Are there any further nominations? Are there any decorations of interest before we vote? Can I raise the point of order? Yes. Can somebody clarify whether this role was a shared role between us and the Lithuanian dependents as it has been in the past? Well, I believe it was in the past. I don't know. That's something that you will have to discuss with the other party, I suppose. I don't know. Yeah. We did a six-month a yearly and then we trot all those. Can you confirm that, Alan? That still stands. Taking aside my declaration of interest, I can help with that. If you want me to, Mr Preson, do you remember? Yes. If it's helpful, yes. So initially, the Lithuanian dependent group was a group of three Councillors and from last week we know a group of four Councillors, so we no longer share that chair of the committee because we're a larger group. So therefore, we are the second largest opposition party and in terms of the place. So they don't want you anymore, Kevin? Like I say at the end of the day, it's just a point of clarity. That is the case. That is the case. It's a weird life is life. Okay. Sorry, John. All right. Thank you very much indeed. Right. The deputy leader of the opposition moved the appointment of the chair of the Democratic Services Committee. Sorry. Sorry, I thought we- Sorry. Sorry. Sorry, we got a vote on that. I got carried away with what Kevin was saying. Are there any other nominations besides the Councillor HOWARD's? Sorry, we're back on the chair of the former scrutiny committee. Yeah. I got I got wheelied with the Councillor Whitehead raising that point of order. No other nominations. Can we move to the vote please? All those in favour? Okay. That's carried. Councillor HOWARD's. You're appointed again for that position. The deputy leader of the opposition moved the appointment of the chair of the Democratic Services Committee. Thank you. As I remember, I move Councillor Wilrothe to the chair of Democratic Services Committee. Is there a proposed appointment seconded? Can I declare an interest provided by the member? Thank you. Yep. Is the proposal seconded? Are there any further nominations? Any decorations of interest before we vote obviously, you've already just said that, Councillor Rokely. Right. Would all Councillors please cast a vote now, starting with all those in favour? That's unanimous. Congratulations Councillor Rokely. Appointments to committees. We will give the effect to the appointment of the political groups, the Leader of the Council. Thank you, Presiding Member. The Leader will be passed to the proper officer and recorded in the minutes. This does not need a vote. Deputy Leader, the opposition may wish to announce appointments for your group. Thank you, Presiding Member. The appointment of members to the committees will be passed to the proper officer and recorded in the minutes. Thank you. I may assume that the leaders of the other groups will also pass the appointment of members to the committees to the appropriate officer for the recording in the minutes. That was correct, as I remember. Thank you. Item 8, the leaders of the various groups will pass the appointment to members to external bodies to the appropriate officer for the recording in the minutes. So that's up to all the different groups. The appointments now, Item 9, Councillor Rokely to announce the new head of adult services, Mafanwe Moran. As I remember, I wish to announce the appointment of Mafanwe Moran to this post. Thank you. Is there a seconder? Oh, sorry, it's the announcements. I think I thought Councillor Rakes wanted to say something about it. Councillor Rakes, do you want to say something, please? Thank you, Presiding Member. I'd like to ask the Council for special dispensation for approval for Councillor Matthew Evans, continued absence beyond six months due to his ill health and extend the purposes of Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972. Thank you. Is there a seconder, Leader? I'm happy to second that, and I, on behalf of the entire Labor Group, wish Matthew all the best in his treatment and his recovery. We're no disrespect to you. We wish to see him back in his place as quick as possible. I did also write to Matthew on behalf of the Council and from the Council, members and officers of the Speaker Recovery as well. Are there any other comments on that? No? I think it's all been said really, to be honest. We will now proceed to the vote. Would all Councillors please cast their vote now, standing with all those in favour? That's unanimous. Right, that's been carried. We will now take a short break whilst the Council chambers are prepared for the inauguration of the Mayor for the year 2024-2025. Thank you very much indeed. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Thank you. the Council. Good evening. Good evening. Deputy Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, Councillors and guests, welcome to the Mayor, making the ceremony. Please be seated. Before we start the Mayor making, can I remind everybody that today's meeting is being filmed for broadcast by way of the Council's internet site as noted on the front of today's agenda. I am pleased to announce the Councillor Ray Markford was formally nominated as the Mayor of Newport from the municipal year 2024-2025 at the Council meeting on 23 January 2024. His appointment was duly counted at that meeting and therefore there is no requirement for any further ratification on that decision. We will now commence the Mayor making the ceremony. Can I please ask the Mayor, Councillor Trevor Watkins and Councillor Ray Markford to come to the front of the chair. Please be seated. Please be seated. Thank you. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. the Mayor. I now invite the Leader, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, to say a few words on the appointment of the Mayor and to move a vote of thanks for the Retire and Mayor, Councillor Watkins. I also invite the outgoing Leader, Jane Murde, to say a few words of thanks for the Retire and Mayor. Thank you, Prezydin member. Mr. Mayor, Madam Mayor, I'd like to thank you both on behalf of all colleagues here today and both myself personally. I'd like to pay tribute to your service to the City over the past Mayoral Year. Councillor Watkins, you've been a great friend to me since I first became a Councillor and it's been an absolute pleasure to share these times with you. So thank you so much for your service. It's been an absolute delight to see you represent us as our first citizen at events such as our National Armed Forces Day, our Food Festival and your dignity and grace and endless energy really is an example to us all. So thank you so much for your commitment to the City of Enport. Thank you. I know invite the Leader to say a few words on the appointment of the Mayor. Thank you, Prezydin member. Congratulations, Councillor Watkins. Hard act to follow, Councillor Watkins did a fantastic job with Catherine over the past year but I know you and your lovely wife will do an amazing job of the coming year. Great charities and I'm glad to know you're another technical geek like me which was interesting which we didn't know about each other so I look forward to discussing with you all the technical issues around what we face going forward so I appreciate that and I know you did a great job. Thank you Leader, Deputy Leader. Thank you, friend and colleague, Councillor Montford. The rest of your colleagues are delighted that you have been elected as May. I've known you for several years now and like all the colleagues around here we can naturally say that you're a man of integrity, honesty and good character and these are the essential ingredients that you need to carry off the Mayor's ship. We wish you all the very best. You're just starting now on a journey, a journey of discovery that will lead you to understand and become humble as you meet the voluntary sector who are the very fabric of this city and hold society together. So I'd like to say on behalf of all your colleagues here, it is a privilege to say, Councillor Montford, you will always be known as the 300 and 92nd Mayor of the Great City of Newport. Well done, Councillor Montford, well done. I now invite the retiring Mayor, Councillor Watkins to speak on his Europe office. Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Hi Sheriff, Leader of the Council, presiding member, honored guests, first of all I'd like to congratulate Councillor Montford on being the 392nd Mayor of Newport. Fellow Councillors and obviously Councillor Mudd, that is now left or about to leave and go on to new pastures. This year has been a big chapter in my life and I hope I've done it proud in regards to the city. Over 150 events plus that we've been to in this city, ranging from the ICC conference with something like two and a half thousand people, large charities like the Lions Club and various other small ones, but it would not be appropriate just to concentrate on one, because at the end of the day we visited everybody that we possibly could, ranging from the large charities right down the last event which we had was the choirs at St. Louis the children's day at St. Louis Cathedral. The energy which I had and got over last year was mainly from the mayoral committee charity which we worked with. They were there every time to organise the events and proceed to raise money on behalf of my two charities. The other people which were at the back of me were the Council officers, democratic services member Emily Major, the three chauffeurs and Joanne Passell, the military person. She tells you where to go, when to go, when to do it. I admire her for that you knew where you stood. The other two people I'd like to mention are my two world councillors. They've taken up the banner to keep me informed and I've been able to go when I can to the meetings. They've kept the ward alive and done some sterling work. I'd like to thank Councillor Patrick for the deputy and the raising of funds on behalf of the two charities. The other two people are my daughter Catherine and my granddaughter Sophia. Mainly Sophia has been a dog minder but at the end of the day we wouldn't have been able to do the events unless she was in place. Again I'd like to thank all councillors here that supported me and with the charities which I chose and I haven't had the final figure but it's in excess of £16,000. As I remember thank you, it's been a brilliant and exciting year and it's really opened my eyes to the charities and the voluntary sector within this city and I salute them all. Thank you. Thank you, Trevor. Will all those in favour of the vote of thanks to the outgoing mayor, please vote now. I only do as I'm told on the vote of thanks. I declare the motion carried. The new mayor come to the dais, please. So the mayor will now make his declaration of acceptance of office. Please repeat after the meeting. I, Raymond John Mogford, haven't been elected to the office of mayor for the city of Newport, hereby declare that I take the said office upon myself and will duly and faithfully fulfil the duties thereof according to the best of my judgement and ability. Not yet. A bit more to go. Okay. So the mayor will now take the oath of allegiance and then the official oath. Mr. Mayor, if you please take the bible in your right hand and repeat after me. I, Raymond John Mogford, swear by almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Charles III, his heirs and successors according to law. And now Mr. Mayor the official oath. I, Raymond John Mogford, swear by almighty God that I will well and truly serve, and I will well and truly serve, his Majesty King Charles III, in the office of mayor, in the office of mayor of the city of Newport, the city of Newport. John, congratulations. Was it not? (Applause) I now invite the Mayor to announce his Charities for the coming year. Thank you, Presided Member. We did rehearse all this by the way. It's a privilege and honour to be elected as the mayor of Newport for this coming year. In this capacity I am of course looking forward to and geared up for a very busy year ahead. The two charities that I have chosen to support are the Seven Area Rescue Association, more commonly known as SARA. SARA is a multidisciplinary volunteer search and rescue organization and is a designated rescue service for an area of over 20,000 square kilometres, covering the Seven and the surrounding area. My other charity is Sparkle. Sparkle ensures Gwen children and young people with disabilities and/or development difficulties, along with their families are fully supported and are able to participate in value childhood experiences with access to the same range of opportunities, life experiences, activities and community services as any other child and their family. Mr Mayor, can I kickstart your challenge there? Thank you very much, Presided Member. I now call upon the retiring Mayor S and Mayor S to come to the front of the chair. [ Pause ] [ Pause ] [ Applause ] The next item on the agenda is to appoint a Deputy Mayor. I call upon the Mayor to announce this Deputy Mayor. Thank you Presided Member. My Deputy Mayor is Councillor Christopher Mark Reaps. Thank you. I call upon the retiring Deputy Mayor Councillor Puck drew it and the incoming Deputy Mayor comes to the Chris Reaks to come to the front of the chair. [ Pause ] [ Pause ] The Deputy Mayor will now make the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. I, Christopher Mark Reaks, having been elected to the Office of Deputy Mayor for the City of Newport, hereby declare that I take the said office, upon myself, and will duly and faithfully fulfill the duties thereof according to the best of my judgement and ability. [ Pause ] [ Applause ] I now call upon the Deputy Mayor S. Mrs. Jane Reaks to come to the front of the chair. [ Pause ] [ Applause ] That concludes the business for today's AGM and the mayoral summary. I declare the meeting.
Summary
The meeting transcript provided does not contain any substantive discussion or information. It consists entirely of the word Thank you
repeated multiple times. Therefore, there are no topics, decisions, or discussions to summarize.
The Newport council meeting included several significant appointments and speeches.
The most notable topic was the appointment of Tanya Evans as the Strategic Director of Social Services. The Leader praised Tanya Evans for her extensive experience and leadership skills. The council voted unanimously in favor of her appointment.
The Leader of the Council gave a heartfelt speech reflecting on their tenure since 2019, highlighting key achievements and partnerships. They acknowledged the support of several individuals, including the late Councillor Ron Jones, the late David Taylor, and their own father. The Leader emphasized the importance of community, innovation, and partnership, mentioning initiatives like the dementia-friendly city project and the adoption of the Marmot principles for better quality of life across the Gwent region. They also addressed issues of misogyny, bullying, and racism, urging everyone to call out such behaviors.
The council then moved on to the appointment of various positions:
- Presiding Member: Councillor Paul Cochran was appointed with 31 votes in favor, 8 against, and 2 abstentions.
- Deputy Presiding Member: Councillor Screen was appointed with 35 votes in favor, 1 against, and 7 abstentions.
- Leader of the Council: Councillor Petruni was appointed with only 2 abstentions.
- Cabinet Members: Councillor Petruni announced the new cabinet members, including Councillor Deb Davis for Education and Early Years, Councillor Laura Lacey for Social Services, and others. He thanked outgoing cabinet members Councillor Jason Hughes, Councillor Stephen Marshall, and Councillor Debra Harvey for their service.
The council also appointed chairs for various committees:
- Planning Committee Chair: Councillor Mark Spencer.
- Licensing Committee Chair: Councillor Kate Thomas.
- Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Chair: Councillor HURAIN.
- Performance Scrutiny Partnerships Chair: Councillor John Reynolds.
- Performance Scrutiny Committee for People Chair: Councillor David Fower.
- Performance Scrutiny Committee for Place and Corporate Chair: Councillor HOWARD.
- Democratic Services Committee Chair: Councillor Wilrothe.
The council granted special dispensation for Councillor Matthew Evans' continued absence due to ill health, extending beyond six months.
The meeting concluded with the mayoral inauguration. Councillor Ray Markford was formally appointed as the Mayor of Newport for the year 2024-2025. He announced his chosen charities: the Seven Area Rescue Association (SARA) and Sparkle. Councillor Christopher Mark Reaks was appointed as the Deputy Mayor.
The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Trevor Watkins, reflected on his year in office, highlighting over 150 events attended and the support he received from various individuals and groups. He announced that over £16,000 was raised for his chosen charities.
The meeting ended with a short break to prepare for the inauguration ceremony.
Attendees
- Alex Pimm
- Allan Morris
- Allan Screen
- Andrew Sterry
- Bev Davies
- Bev Perkins
- Carmel Townsend
- Chris Reeks
- Claire Baker-Westhead
- David Fouweather
- David Mayer
- Deb Davies
- Debbie Harvey
- Debbie Jenkins
- Dimitri Batrouni
- Emma Stowell-Corten
- Farzina Hussain
- Gavin Horton
- James Clarke
- James Peterson
- Jane Mudd
- Janet Cleverly
- Jason Hughes
- Jason Jordan
- John Harris
- John Jones
- John Reynolds
- Kate Thomas
- Kevin Whitehead
- Laura Lacey
- Lauren James
- Malcolm Linton
- Mark Howells
- Mark Spencer
- Martyn Kellaway
- Matthew Evans MBE
- Matthew Pimm
- Miqdad Al-Nuaimi
- Pat Drewett
- Paul Bright
- Paul Cockeram
- Phil Hourahine
- Ray Mogford
- Rhian Howells
- Saeed Adan
- Stephen Cocks
- Stephen Marshall
- Tim Harvey
- Trevor Watkins
- William Routley
- Yvonne Forsey