New faces

The new Council met for the first time yesterday.  It was strange to see many new faces in the chamber, and also to miss a number of people who, I for one, expected to be returned without trouble.

New Conservative councillors, from left to right:  Kathryn Grandon White (Hadleigh South), Frank Lawrenson (Waldingfield), Dawn Kendall (South Cosford), Peter Burgoyne (Pinewood) and Simon Barrett (Sudbury South)

We have lost two involuntarily from the Conservative Group, and also said goodbye to Colin Spence and Humphrey Todd, both of whom had decided in any event not to stand once again. In their places we have five new councillors, pictured above, so we are one seat up on where we finished last time. 

A plus is that there are now nine women on Babergh as opposed to seven on the last Council. Out of 43 councillors this is still not a very impressive percentage.  Interestingly all three group leaders and two of their deputies are women, which seems a little out of proportion!  What does it say about the men? and about the women come to that?

Most of what went on yesterday was procedural. We had new photos taken for the Babergh website.  I am afraid that four years does make a difference in this area!  The business of the meeting was concerned with the election of Chairmen to the Council, and to the major Committees, the appointment of substitutes, and other such housekeeping matters.  The real business of the council will start when we get the result of the Local Poll and we know which route we are taking.

Charlie Adan, speaking, with Pat Rockall (centre) and Nick Ridley (right) newly elected Vice Chairman of Babergh

The new Chief Executive, Charlie Adan, was present, and Pat Rockall, the outgoing CEO, said her last goodbyes.  Pat has been a good friend to me over the past four years, giving me some sage advice from time to time, and I will miss her.  Still, I managed to have a few words with Charlie at the end of the meeting, and am sure that we will get on fine.