Following which, the Chairman elected will take the Chair and make the Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Minutes:
Before commencing the process of electing a new Chairman, the outgoing Chairman addressed Council for the final time and reflected on the past year in office and shared some of the highlights.
Whilst some may think the wearing of the Chain and the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace may be up there, for the outgoing Chairman, the simple joy and opportunity to get into the communities and see the great work undertaken by local people simply wanting to improve their area. Speaking with young people and explaining the role and see the sense of pride people held in their local communities.
The outgoing Chairman spoke of the very good District it had been a pleasure to serve, whilst it may not always be the easiest job, the efforts of all Councillors and volunteers at every level was acknowledged and something he took great pride in.
Being Chairman had allowed Councillor Bunney to experience wider parts of the District, other than the Ward he represented, greatly improving his wider understanding of the District as a whole, with business owners, tourist attractions and other such places taking the time to share with him more greatly than the average citizen, which had been a real pleasure, honour and true learning experience.
The 50th anniversary had been a very special occasion, sharing the experience with both current and previous Members had been memorable
The outgoing Chairman also spoke of the support he had received from Officers and fellow Members whilst in Office and paid tribute to them. Acknowledging the Council Teams that worked away from the main site; the Crematorium, the Trinity Arts Centre and the Depot.
In concluding the Chairman spoke of how lucky the District was to have such dedicated Officers and of the privilege and honour it had been to serve them, fellow Councillors and the community over the past 24 months.
Presiding over his final item, Councillor Bunney sought nominations for the position of Chairman of Council.
It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Matthew Boles be appointed the Chairman of Council for the civic year 2025/26. No further nominations were made and on being put to the vote the motion was carried and it was therefore: -
RESOLVED that Councillor Matthew Boles be elected Chairman of the Council for the 2025/2026 civic year.
The outgoing Chairman presented the Chain of Office to Councillor Boles and congratulated him on his appointment.
Councillor Boles made and signed the statutory declaration of acceptance of office, in the presence of the Head of Paid Service and took the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.
In his acceptance speech Councillor Boles advised that it was an honour to be elected as Chairman for the coming year and that he was looking forward to the forthcoming year in office and to meeting many people from the district, throughout Lincolnshire and beyond. Councillor Boles undertook to uphold the good name of West Lindsey in all the duties carried out as Chairman of the Council,
Councillor Boles then presented Councillor Bunney with a past Chairman's badge and proposed a vote of thanks to him for his services, to the council and as our Chairman over the past two years. Councillor Bunney had attended numerous UK functions throughout his term of office and had been an excellent ambassador for the Council.
Councillor Bunney advised that he had some flowers for the outgoing Chairman, which would be presented at the conclusion of the meeting.