The Council meeting on Wednesday 20 May 2026 saw the election of a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman, Councillor John Chilver and Councillor Frank Mahon respectively. The meeting also included tributes to a former Chairman, Kenneth Ross MBE DL, and a long-serving officer, Sarah Ashmead, before moving on to approve the council's annual report and calendar of meetings for the upcoming year.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor John Chilver was elected as the new Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council for the 2026/27 municipal year, taking over from Councillor Safraj Raja. Councillor Frank Mahon was appointed as the Vice-Chairman. Both accepted their new roles and made the necessary declarations.

Chairman's Announcements

The meeting began with tributes to Kenneth Ross MBE DL, a former Chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council and Honorary Alderman, who had recently passed away. A minute's silence was observed in his memory. The Council also paid tribute to Sarah Ashmead, a long-serving officer, who was attending her final council meeting. Councillor Steven Broadbent, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Martin Tett CBE, former Leader, spoke highly of Ms Ashmead's dedication and contributions.

The Chairman announced his chosen charities for the year: the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Alina Orchestra. He also highlighted several upcoming events, including the High Wycombe Mayor Making ceremony and the Bucks Scouts Carnival Camp.

Report from the Leader of the Council

Councillor Steven Broadbent, Leader of the Council, confirmed the appointments to the Cabinet for the municipal year 2026/27. The Cabinet members and their portfolios were announced, along with the Deputy Cabinet Members. These appointments were noted by the Council.

Select Committee Structures 2026/27

The Council agreed to the proposed structure and remit for its Select Committees for the municipal year 2026/27. These committees are responsible for discharging the Council's statutory overview and scrutiny functions. The five Select Committees are: Children's and Education; Finance and Resources; Growth, Infrastructure and Housing; Health and Adult Social Care; and Transport, Environment, Communities and Climate Change.

Committee Appointments and Proportionality, Substitutions, and Appointments to Partnerships and Outside Bodies

The Council noted the current proportionality arrangements and agreed to the final allocation of seats on Council Committees and other bodies. The appointments to these committees, as well as to partnerships and outside bodies for 2026/27, were made. Authority was delegated to the Monitoring Officer to make amendments to membership and outside body appointments as required during the year, upon written confirmation from Group Leaders. It was also agreed that all Councillors could act as potential substitutes on Committees.

Buckinghamshire Council Annual Report 2025/26

Councillor Steven Broadbent presented the Annual Report for 2025/26, highlighting the significant work completed throughout the year. Key achievements mentioned included the maintenance of weekly waste collections, increased investment in roads and transport, and an expanded budget to address the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) backlog. The report also detailed the successful recruitment of a new Chief Executive, engagement with national and regional bodies, and the passing of motions to support local farmers and protect chalk streams. The Leader commended the annual report to the Council. Following comments from members regarding highway improvements and transparency around asset sales, Councillor Broadbent emphasised the ongoing investment in the county's roads and the collaborative approach to projects like the Queen Victoria Road Council offices sale. He also assured members that the Local Plan remained on track for consultation. The Council resolved to note the achievements detailed in the annual report.

Proposed Calendar of Meetings for Buckinghamshire Council 2026/27

The Council approved the proposed calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2026/27.

Report for Information - Key Decisions Report

A list of decisions taken by Cabinet Members since the last Full Council meeting on 15 April 2026 was received and noted.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday, 15 July 2026, at 4 p.m.

Following the conclusion of the main Council meeting, several committees convened to elect their Chairmen. These included the Children's & Education Select Committee, Finance & Resources Select Committee, Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee, Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee, Transport, Environment, Communities and Climate Change Select Committee, Audit & Governance Committee, High Wycombe Town Committee, Licensing Committees, Standards & General Purposes Committee, and the Area Planning Committees.