Councillor Andy Simms was elected as the new Chair of North Northamptonshire Council at the meeting held on Thursday 16 July 2026. The Council also approved a revised Constitution and rejected three motions on notice.

Election of Chair

Councillor Andy Simms was elected as the Chair of North Northamptonshire Council for the municipal year 2026/27.

Constitution Update 2026

The Council approved and adopted the revised Constitution, as detailed in Appendix A of the report. This update aimed to improve clarity, accessibility, and consistency, while ensuring the document reflects current legislation, organisational arrangements, and established practices. Key changes included formatting improvements, updated protocols, and amendments to deadlines and procedures to support more effective council business. The revised Constitution also included adjustments to the petition scheme, making it clearer how signatures from residents living or working across council boundaries would be considered.

Motions on Notice

Three motions were put before the Council and all were rejected:

• Motion 1: Flying the Ukrainian Flag: Proposed by Councillor Helen Harrison and seconded by Councillor Wendy Brackenbury, this motion sought an exception to the Council's flag-flying policy to fly the Ukrainian flag on Ukraine Independence Day (24 August 2026) as a show of solidarity. The motion was rejected by 32 votes to 21, with 4 abstentions. Arguments against the motion centred on the need to adhere to the Council's established flag policy and avoid making exceptions on a case-by-case basis, which could lead to future controversial requests. Supporters highlighted the ongoing conflict and the symbolic importance of the gesture. A point of order was raised after the vote, clarifying that the VJ Day flag, previously mentioned as an exception, was not mandated by government and its flying was at the Council's discretion, suggesting an exception had indeed been made previously.

• Motion 2: High Street Revival Policy: Proposed by Councillor Kelly Duddridge and seconded by Councillor William Colquhoun, this motion called for the development of a High Street Revival Policy, the establishment of a High Street Renewal Taskforce, and the creation of a public register of long-term empty commercial properties. The motion was rejected by 35 votes to 22, with 2 abstentions. Opponents argued that the actions proposed were already underway or being addressed through existing council plans and initiatives, such as the Wellingborough Town Master Plan and the High Street Rental Auction early adopter program. Supporters contended that formalising these actions through a motion would provide a stronger commitment to residents and businesses.

• Motion 3: Impact of Developments on Highways: Proposed by Councillor Simon Fairhall and seconded by Councillor Scott Brown, this motion urged the Council to engage independent highways experts to quantify the impact of proposed developments on existing and future residents and businesses, and to ensure transparent engagement with neighbouring authorities. The motion was rejected by 30 votes to 23, with 6 abstentions. Those opposing the motion argued that the Council already undertakes these activities as part of its statutory duties, including transport assessments and engagement with neighbouring authorities under the duty to cooperate. Supporters, however, emphasised the importance of independent expertise and transparency to build public confidence in the local plan process, particularly concerning cumulative impacts.

Councillor Questions

The Council received eleven councillor questions, with supplementary questions asked on ten of them. Responses to five of these were provided outside of the meeting. Topics covered included parking in the Old Village, the future of the bonfire night event, financial oversight of Children's Services, effectiveness of measures to reduce crime, support for the voluntary sector, traffic management at the Wellingborough tip, utility company retention rates, funding for grassroots projects, the Jobs Yard saga in Kettering, and pedestrian safety near the Jobs Yard lane.

The meeting also included the approval of minutes from previous meetings and the confirmation of political group leadership and executive appointments.