Councillor Cathy Gibbons was appointed Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth for the upcoming year, and Councillor Pete Stead-Davis was appointed Deputy Mayor. The council also unanimously approved the creation of a new Hinckley Town Council and passed a motion to raise awareness of Genetic Haemochromatosis.

Mayor and Deputy Mayor Appointed

Councillor Cathy Gibbons was unanimously appointed as the new Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth for the ensuing municipal year. Following her appointment, Councillor Gibbons made the declaration of acceptance of office and was invested with the mayoral chain. She announced her chosen charities for the year: the Hinkleyan District Poppy Appeal and Project 2030 at the Concordia Theatre. Councillor Scott Gibbons, her husband, was invested with the consort's chain.

A vote of thanks was accorded to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Richard Fleming, for his service. Councillor Fleming addressed the meeting, thanking his chaplain, cadets, charities, and his wife, Jill, for their support. He was then presented with the Past Mayor's medal, and Mrs. Fleming received the Leader's medal.

Councillor Pete Stead-Davis was appointed Deputy Mayor for the ensuing year, also unanimously. He made the declaration of acceptance of office and was invested with the Deputy Mayor's chain, while Councillor Charlotte Green received the Deputy Consort's chain.

Creation of Hinckley Town Council Approved

The council unanimously approved the final recommendations of the Community Governance Review, which will lead to the creation of a new town council for the unparished area of Hinckley. The new Hinckley Town Council will be established with 20 councillors, divided into four wards: Castle, Clarendon, De Montfort, and Trinity. The first elections for the town council are scheduled for May 2027. The council also noted that work is underway to identify assets and services that could be transferred to the new town council, which will be subject to a separate report. Councillor Bray, who moved the report, highlighted that the creation of the town council was a necessity to address a democratic deficit following local government reorganisation.

Council Procedure Rule 17 Motion on Genetic Haemochromatosis Carried

A motion proposed by Councillor C Allen and seconded by Councillor S Gibbens, calling for increased awareness of Genetic Haemochromatosis (GH), was carried unanimously. The motion resolves to support World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week 2026 by promoting awareness of the condition and its symptoms, supporting the 'Light Up Red' campaign, sharing information through council channels, and working with health partners to spread awareness. The Chief Executive will also write to local health partners to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and local engagement.

Amendment to Planning Committee Size and Political Balance Review

The council approved a report recommending a reduction in the size of the Planning Committee from 17 to 13 members. This change is in anticipation of government reforms to planning committees. The political balance of the council was reviewed in light of this reduction, and the allocation of seats to political groups on various committees, including the Planning Committee, was amended. The new allocation for the Planning Committee will be 3 Conservative, 1 Independent, and 9 Liberal Democrat members.

Appointments to Council Bodies and Outside Bodies

Following a proposal by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Bools, the council resolved to make a series of appointments to various council bodies, working groups, the Leicestershire Partnership Joint Committee, and outside bodies. This included appointments to the Appeals Panel, Audit Committee, Ethical Governance & Personnel Committee, Finance & Performance Scrutiny, Hinckley Area Committee, Licensing Committee, Planning Committee, and Scrutiny Commission. Councillor O'Shea was appointed to the Ethical Governance & Personnel Committee, replacing Councillor Harris.

Appointments were also made to working groups, including the Asset Strategy & Regeneration Group and the Member Development Group. Councillors L Hodgkins and KWP Lynch were appointed to the Leicestershire Partnership Joint Committee. Representatives were appointed to a range of outside bodies, including the A5 Partnership, Bradgate Landfill Liaison Committee, Charnwood Forest Regional Park Board, and various other liaison committees and partnerships.

Long Service Awards Presented

The Mayor presented long service awards to two members of staff. Fiona McArthur was recognised for 25 years of service, and Graeme Chilvers was awarded for 30 years of service. Both were commended for their dedication and achievements.