Issue - meetings

To appoint the Leader of the Council.

The Mayor informed the Council that in accordance with section 100B(4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972 he had agreed to the inclusion of this item on the agenda. This item was required following the amendments to the Constitution which were agreed at the meeting of Full Council on 6 May 2025.

It was proposed by Councillor Neil Dallen, seconded by Councillor Clive Woodbridge that Councillor Hannah Dalton be appointed the Leader of the Council for 2025-2026.

It was proposed by Councillor Chris Ames, seconded by Councillor Kate Chinn that Councillor Alex Coley be appointed the Leader of the Council for 2025-2026.

There being two nominations, the Mayor requested the Council to vote on each nomination separately.

The results of the votes were as follows:

Councillor Hannah Dalton: 17 votes for, 9 abstentions

Councillor Alex Coley: 9 votes for, 13 votes against, 3 abstentions

Accordingly, the Council resolved:

That Councillor Hannah Dalton be appointed the Leader of the Council to hold office until the Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2026.