Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council will elect its Chairman for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year.

It was moved by Councillor M E Stephenson and seconded by Councillor I J Hendersonthat Councillor Oxley be elected Chairman of the Council.

On being put to the vote it was:-

RESOLVED that, pursuant to Section 3(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, Councillor Oxley be elected Chairman of the Council for the 2026/2027 municipal year.

Members gave a round of applause to Councillor Oxley on her election.

Councillor Oxley was thereupon invested with the badge and Chain of Office and made a Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Chairman then made a short speech along the following lines:-

·      thanked Members for their support;

·      had done some amazing things in her life but this was a real honour;

·      would announce her chosen charities at the next full Council meeting;

·      Reverend David Lower would continue as her Vicar for the time being;

·      gave a massive well done to Councillor Davidson and his wife, Tracy, an amazing double act;

·      Councillor Davidson had been an amazing ambassador for the District with wonderful feedback from the public;

·      would be a big act to follow;

·      will miss pre-meets with Councillor Davidson and his repertoire of amazing stories.

Members gave Councillor Oxley further rounds of applause.

Councillor Oxley then invested Councillor Davidson with the Past Chairman’s Badge.

Councillor Davidson then responded with a statement along the following lines:-

·      truly been an honour and a privilege to represent this Council and the residents of Tendring District;

·      grateful to those Councillors who placed their trust in him;

·      sincere thanks and appreciation given to Ian Davidson, Lisa Hastings and Keith Simmons for their invaluable advice, guidance and continual support;

·      heartfelt thanks to Reverend David Lower for his prayers at full Council meetings and for presiding at civic events such as the Remembrance Day Service;

·      sincere thanks to Maddie and the entire Leadership Support Team for their professionalism, dedication and exceptional support;

·      recognised Councillor Mark Stephenson and Councillor Ivan Henderson for their faith in him and for proposing him for the role of Chairman last year;

·      gave proud respect to Councillor Casey for his dedication and commitment to Armed Forces Veterans and to the Clacton Royal British Legion;

·      to all Councillors thanks for their support, encouragement and willingness to welcome him into their communities and afford him the privilege of seeing many previously unknown to him parts of the District and the dedicated volunteers and community groups;

·      thanked Councillors and local businesses who had generously sponsored the Pride of Tendring Awards and who had supported his three chosen charities at the Pride of Tendring Awards which would make a real difference;

·      must ensure that the District’s voice is heard and its identity protected throughout the LGR transition;

·      wished Councillor Oxley every success and a truly fantastic year but cautioned that it would go by very quickly.

Members gave another round of applause.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor M E Stephenson) and Councillors Harris, Casey, I J Henderson, Ferguson, Guglielmi and Scott all congratulated Councillor Oxley on her election and paid tribute to Councillor Davidson and his year in office.

Members gave further rounds of applause.

Councillor Davidson responded with gratitude to the tributes made and Members gave a further round of applause.