Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair for the ensuing municipal year. The Chair to make a declaration of acceptance of office.

Former County Councillor Alan Cockburn, the Chair of Warwickshire County Council for the municipal year 2020 to 2021 requested nominations for the Chair.

Councillor Yousef Dahmash nominated Councillor Pete Gilbert. Prior to this, Councillor Dahmash extended his condolences to the family of former County Councillor Chris Williams who had recently passed away.

Councillor Yousef Dahmash thanked Alan Cockburn for his term of office as Chair acknowledging that the Covid-19 Pandemic meant that the year had not been as originally envisaged. He commended Alan Cockburn for the way in which he had chaired meetings of Council and thanked him for his years of service to the people of Warwickshire.

Nominating Councillor Pete Gilbert Councillor Yousef Dahmash stated that he has been passionate about politics from a very young age. He had asked questions at meetings of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council from the age of 12. He had entered local politics in the early 1990s and had become a member of Warwickshire County Council in 2017. Councillor Gilbert was described as fair and balanced by Councillor Yousef Dahmash. He would make a good Chair of Council.

The nomination was seconded by Councillor Jo Barker who described Councillor Pete Gilbert as loyal to his roots, his friends and the people he represents. He would be the right person to Chair the Council out of the Pandemic.

There were no other nominations.

A vote was held.

Resolved:

That Councillor Pete Gilbert be elected as Chair of Warwickshire County Council for the municipal year 2021/2022.

Councillor Pete Gilbert thanked Alan Cockburn for his year as Chair of Council. He extended his condolences to the family of former County Councillor Chris Williams.

Councillors Yousef Dahmash and Jo Barker were thanked for their words of support.

In accepting the position of Chair Councillor Pete Gilbert informed Council that his interest in politics stemmed from being raised in a pub. People, he said, often had comments concerning the government of the day. When he attended a meeting of the borough council at the age of 12, he was chastised for asking his questions.

Councillor Gilbert stated that with the end of the Pandemic in sight there is a desire to strive to return to normality and return to the standard of living seen previously. However, for many people their standard of living falls below what it acceptable. Councillors have a responsibility to work with and listen to individual and groups allowing them to shape the process of improving peoples’ lives.

There is a need to tackle inequality especially in education (where the County Council has less influence than it used to). There is a need to ensure that children do not fail at school. Many that do end up in prison. Children should be given the tools to have a good start in life and realise their ambitions

Councillor Gilbert concluded by stating that local government is the shop window of democracy. Councillors need to stick to their principles. They have four years to work for others  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

To elect a Vice Chair for the ensuing municipal year. The Vice Chair

to make a declaration of acceptance of office.

Councillor Pete Gilbert (Chair of Council) asked for nominations to the role of Vice-Chair of Council.

Having thanked Alan Cockburn for his work as Chair and welcomed Councillor Pete Gilbert to the role Councillor Izzi Seccombe nominated Councillor John Horner to be Vice-Chair for 2021/2022. In doing so Councillor Izzi Seccombe summarised Councillor John Horner’s qualifications and career which extended around the world.

Councillor Andy Crump seconded the nomination stating that Councillor John Horner would make a good ambassador for the Council.

There were no other nominations.

A vote was held.

Resolved:

Councillor John Horner be elected as Vice-Chair of Warwickshire County Council for the year 2021/2022.

In reply Councillor John Horner thanked members for their support and congratulated Councillor Pete Gilbert for his appointment as Chair.

Apologies were received from Councillors Jeff Morgan, Howard Roberts, Jerry Roodhouse and Martin Watson.

No disclosures were made at this meeting.

To consider and agree the minutes of the 16 March 2021 meeting of Council.

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 16 March 2021 were agreed as a true record.

Former Councillor Chris Williams

Councillor Pete Gilbert announced the passing on Saturday 22 May 2021 of former County Councillor Chris Williams who had represented the Kineton and Red Horse Division until the elections held only a few weeks previously. Councillor Williams’ extensive career in local politics was summarised by Councillor Gilbert who concluded by stating that Councillor Williams was a true gentleman whose wit and sarcasm would be greatly missed.

Councillor John Holland (Leader of the Labour Group) stated that he had known Chris Williams largely through their joint membership of the Council’s Corporate Parenting Panel. They had also worked with former County Councillor Jenny St John. Councillor Williams would be remembered for the very good work he had done for the people of Warwickshire.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe (Leader of the Council) expressed her sadness at the loss of Chris Williams who only a few days previously had been given good news regarding his illness. He was proud to be a councillor for his area and he operated with dignity and to a very high standard. He was passionate about children in care and those who were adopted. He took his role as Corporate Parent very seriously. This was partly as he was able to bring his experience as an adoptive father to bear.

Councillor Jenny Fradgley had worked with Chris Williams at Stratford-on-Avon District Council as well as the county council. His corporate parenting work was to be commended.

Councillor Jo Barker explained that when she had first become a County Councillor she had frequently been in conflict with Chris Williams as party Whip. However, having suffered a similar illness she has come to know and respect him.

Councillor Chris Mills had known Chris Williams since 1998. Council was informed that Chris Williams had been involved in a severe accident which temporarily affected his memory. This had been followed some time later by a stroke. He had always maintained a great sense of humour that would be greatly missed.

Councillor Andy Crump has served with Chris Williams on Stratford-on-Avon District Council. He had a terrific sense of humour and was a true gentleman with a wealth of knowledge.  

Former Councillor David Kohler

Council was informed of the death of former county councillor David Kohler who served from 1993 to 1997.

Councillor Sarah Boad informed the meeting that she had attended David Kohler’s funeral in Eastbourne. He had been an active school governor and had been closely involved in race equality issues.

Council stood for one minutes’ silence.

The Chief Executive to submit the return of persons elected as county councillors at the election of 6 May 2021.

The return was duly noted by Council.

To appoint the Leader of the Council

Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell proposed Councillor Izzi Seccombe to be Leader of the Council stating that she is a fearless visionary with humour and the power to inspire others.

The nomination was seconded by Councillor Chris Kettle who informed Council that he had know Councillor Seccombe for many years.

Vote

A vote was held and the proposal carried.

Resolved:

That Councillor Izzi Seccombe be elected as Leader of the Council.

To agree the membership of the council’s committees and other bodies.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe moved the recommendations as set out in the report and paper A (circulated at meeting).

The proposal was seconded by Councillor John Holland

Vote

A vote was held and the proposal agreed.

Resolved:

(1)  That Council confirms the Committee structure and delegations of non-executive functions to member bodies as set out in the Constitution. 

(2)    That Council agrees the appointment of members to the Committees and other bodies as set out in the appendix.

(3)  That Council confirms the delegations of non-executive functions to officers as set out in the Constitution.

(4)  That the Council agrees an amendment to the Constitution as it applies to the Health and Wellbeing Board consequent upon the merger of the three Clinical Commissioning Groups into a single body covering Warwickshire such that there will be a single CCG appointment moving forward.

(5)  That the Council authorises the Strategic Director for Resources to make such amendments to the Council’s Constitution as may be required as a consequence of any changes agreed by Council together with any minor amendments necessitated by changes to any roles and titles referred to in the Constitution and to ensure accuracy and compliance with legislation and the Council’s prior decisions.

(6)  That the Council authorises the Chief Executive to agree the final appointments to the Police and Crime Panel in consultation with Group Leaders as she considers to be necessary to meet the requirements of geographical and political proportionality required and to work with District and Borough representatives to achieve that end.

(7)  That the Council authorises the Strategic Director for Resources to appoint an Independent Remuneration Panel to commence a review the Member Allowances Scheme

Appendix

Resolved:

1.   That the Council confirms the Committee structure and delegations of non-executive functions to member bodies and officers as set out in the Constitution.

2.   That the number of places on Council Committees be as follows:

       3.  That the Council appoints the committees and membership:

Opposition Group Spokespersons are indicated for Overview and Scrutiny Committees (Sp)

To consider any other items that the Chair considers are urgent.