Agenda and minutes

None.

Council observed a minute silence in respect of the passing of former councillor Olive Evans.

The Chairman, County Councillor P. Clarke, addressed Council and thanked all who had supported him during his year of office, highlighting the memorable events attended throughout the year.

The Chairman expressed thanks to the staff across the Authority, appreciating the invaluable help of Mrs. Linda Greer and Mrs. Julia Boyd. Thanks were given to Steve Barker, the Chairman’s chauffer.

The Chairman presented a cheque to Gwent Music, the Chairman’s charity, for £7071.21, collected by their representative Emma Archer.

The Leader addressed Council and thanked County Councillor Clarke for his year in office, along with his consort, Mrs. J. Clarke.

The leaders of the political groups, County Councillor D. Batrouni, D. Blakebrough and J. Watkins echoed the sentiments of Councillor Fox.

It was moved by County Councillor P. Fox, and duly seconded by Councillor S. Jones, that County Councillor S. Woodhouse be elected as Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council for the Civic Year 2019/20. Upon being put to the vote it was unanimously agreed to elect Councillor Woodhouse as Chairman.

County Councillor S. Woodhouse made and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, was invested with the Chain of Office by the outgoing Chairman, and took the Chair.

The newly elected Chairman thanked Members for their support and announced that Mr. C. Woodhouse would be her consort; introduced Mark Soady as Chaplain; Gwent Music and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru are the chosen Chairman’s charities.

The Chairman then presented the outgoing Chairman with the Past Chairman’s Badge of Office.

It was moved by County Councillor P. Fox, and seconded by County Councillor S. Jones that County Councillor B. Jones be appointed as Vice Chairman of the County Council for the Civic Year 2019/20.

Upon being put to the vote it was resolved that County Councillor B. Jones be appointed as Vice Chairman.

County Councillor Jones made and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, was invested with his Chain of Office by the Chairman, and took his position as Vice Chairman.

The Vice Chairman thanked Members for their support, and introduced his consort, Mrs R. Jones.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of the Chain of Office to the incoming Chairman’s Consort, Mr. C. Woodhouse, a pendant to the outgoing Chairman’s Consort, and the |Chain of Office to the incoming Vice Chairman’s Consort.

We resolved that the remaining items of business be deferred to the meeting of the County Council to be held on 16th May 2019.