Buckinghamshire Council convened for its first meeting since the local elections, during which Councillor Sarfaraz Khan Raja was elected as the new Chairman, and Councillor John Chilver was elected as Vice-Chairman. Councillor Steve Broadbent was elected as the Leader of the council, and he announced his cabinet appointments for the year. The council also approved the proposed structure for select committees and made appointments to various committees, partnerships, and outside bodies.

Election of Council Leader and Cabinet Appointments

Councillor Steve Broadbent was elected as the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council. Councillor Broadbent then announced his cabinet, including Councillor Peter Strachan and Councillor Thomas Broom as his two deputy leaders. Councillor Ade Osibogun will lead on education and children's services, Councillor Steve Bowles on communities, Councillor Isobel Darby on health and wellbeing, Councillor Peter Brazier on culture and leisure, Councillor Carl Jackson on climate change and environment, Councillor Mark Wynne on housing and regulatory services, and Councillor Robert Carington on resources.

Councillor Broadbent also appointed deputy cabinet members: Councillor Peter Martin for transport, Councillor Michael Bracken for planning enforcement, Councillor Jaspal Chhokar for flooding, Councillor Jilly Jordan for children's services and skills, Councillor Gary Hall for housing and regulatory services, Councillor Catherine Oliver for culture and leisure, Councillor Ashley Waite for communities, Councillor Carol Heap for health and wellbeing, and Councillor Julie Ward for town centre regeneration.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor Sarfaraz Khan Raja was elected as the new Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council, succeeding Councillor Mimi Harker OBE. Councillor Alex Collingwood nominated Councillor Raja, highlighting his extensive community service and experience as Vice-Chairman and former Mayor of Buckingham. Councillor John Chilver was elected as Vice-Chairman, following a contested vote against Councillor Raj Khan BEM. Councillor Dev Dhillon nominated Councillor Chilver, citing his qualifications as an accountant and his experience in local government.

Tribute to Former Councillors and Firefighters

The council observed a minute's silence in honour of three former councillors - Richard Worrell, Mark Harris, and James Malcolm Blanksby - who had recently passed away. Tributes were paid to Mark Harris by Councillor Broadbent, who spoke of his passion for small businesses and his work with the Enterprise Doctor. Councillor Collingwood also paid tribute to James Malcolm Blanksby, highlighting his dedication to the community in Mylar Bottom. The council also paid their respects to Jenny Logan, Martin Sadler, and David Chester, who tragically died in the line of duty.

Committee Appointments and Proportionality

The council approved the allocation of seats on council committees to political groups, ensuring proportionality in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The Monitoring Officer was delegated the authority to vary nominations and substitutions with written confirmation from Group Leaders. The council also approved the appointment of councillors to various partnerships and outside bodies for the 2025/26 municipal year.

Select Committee Structures

The council agreed to the proposed structure and remit for select committees for the 2025/26 municipal year. Five select committees were appointed: the Children's and Education Select Committee, the Finance and Resources Select Committee, the Growth, Infrastructure and Housing Select Committee, the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee, and the Transport, Environment, Communities and Climate Change Select Committee.

Calendar of Meetings

The council approved the proposed calendar of meetings for the 2025/26 municipal year, which includes dates for council meetings, cabinet meetings, select committee meetings, and other key events.

Other Business

The council also:

• Approved the minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2025.
• Noted the report of the Returning Officer on the return of councillors elected.
• Noted the report on select committee arrangements for 2025/26.
• Agreed to the recommendations in the supplementary agenda pack regarding committee appointments and proportional substitutions.
• Agreed to the calendar of meetings for 2025/26.
• Received information on events for members and member services.
• Noted the key decisions report.

Committee Chairmanships

Following the main council meeting, the chairs of the various committees were elected.

• Councillor Susan Morgan was elected Chair of the Children's and Education Select Committee.
• Councillor John Chilver was elected Chair of the Finance and Resources Select Committee.
• Councillor Jonathan Waters was elected Chair of the Growth, Infrastructure and Housing Select Committee.
• Councillor Stuart Wilson was elected Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee.
• Councillor Penny Drayton was elected Chair of the Transport, Environment, Communities and Climate Change Select Committee.
• Councillor Matthew Walsh was elected Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.
• Councillor Ed Gemmell was elected Chair of the High Wycombe Town Committee.
• Councillor Heather Wallace was elected Chair of the Licensing Premises Committee.
• Councillor Heather Wallace was elected Chair of the Licensing Public Protection Committee.
• Councillor Jackson Ng was elected Chair of the Standards and General Purposes Committee.
• Councillor Patrick Fealey was elected Chair of the Central and North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee.
• Councillor David Moore was elected Chair of the East and South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee.
• Councillor Mark Turner was elected Chair of the West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee.
• Councillor Alex Collingwood was elected Chair of the Strategic Sites Committee.