No disclosures were received.

To consider the Leader’s Annual Statement (To follow).

Cllr. Terry Richardson, Leader of the Council, presented his Statement.

The Leader, Cllr. Terry Richardson talked about his service to Blaby District Council and what a privilege it has been to be Leader.  Some of his memorable events including the success of the Community Awards and what a humbling and unique experience it was being Leader during the Covid period.  The Leader thanked the Chief Executive and Officers he has worked with over the years, and the unwavering support from his wife, Louise.  The Leader went on to thank Cllr. Maggie Wright, who had served as Deputy Leader from 2015 – 2025, acknowledging their shared journey serving the community together. 

Honorary Alderman Iain Hewson thanked Cllr. Richardson for all the support given over the years.

The Chief Executive, Julia Smith thanked the Leader on behalf of Officers and acknowledged his service to the Community and looks forward to working with Cllr. Richardson in his role of Councillor.  The Chief Executive also thanked Cllr. Maggie Wright for her work as Portfolio Holder and Deputy Leader and her support towards Officers. 

Cllr. Nick Brown expressed appreciation of the work the Leader has carried out for the Council and Community.  Cllr. Luke Cousin echoed Cllr. Brown’s sentiments.  Cllr. Tony Deakin expressed his appreciation for the leadership Cllr. Terry Richardson has provided. 

Cllr. Maggie Wright spoke about her memories and achievements, starting with Cllr. Richardson’s first Leaders Statement from 2016 and how proud she was working as Deputy Leader with Cllr. Richardson.  Cllr. Maggie Wright also thanked all Members, Senior Leadership Team, and Officers for support provided.  Cllr. Maggie Wright thanked the Executive Director (S151) for her patience, guidance and partnership over the years.   

Cllr. Tracey Shepherd thanked the Leader and Deputy Leader for being able to “agree to disagree” whilst working with them both and the kindness both have expressed towards her.

The Leader thanked everyone for their kind words.

To consider the report of the Scrutiny Commissioners (To follow)

The Scrutiny Commission Chairman, Cllr. Nick Brown presented the Scrutiny Statement.

The Scrutiny Commission Chairman thanked all Members and Officers for their work producing the reports for Cabinet and Council.

Cllr. Stuart Coar left the meeting and returned during consideration of the item.

To consider the report of the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee Chairman (To follow).

The Audit & Corporate Governance Committee Chairman, Cllr. Mike Shirley presented the Annual Report.

Cllr. Shirley thanked the previous and current Finance Group Mangers for a smooth transition, the Independent Member and Officers for work at Committee, and Cllr. Mark Jackson the previous Committee Chairman.

To consider the report of the Senior Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer (enclosed). 

Cllr. Shabbir Aslam left the meeting after casting his vote, and returned before the next item on the agenda.

A request for a recorded vote by Cllr. Maggie Wright was made and supported by the required number of Members in accordance with Part 4, Section 1, Paragraph 17.5 of the Councils Constitution.  Voting on the report was taken as follows:

The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Chapman declared that Cllr. Ben Taylor was elected.

The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Chapman made announcements in respect of several memorable recent events:

·         12^th April attended a Charnwood Borough Council Civic event raising funds for the Great Central Railway in Loughborough.

·         25^th April Charity Night at the Royal British Legion in Oadby, raising funds for the Wishes for Kids Charity.

·         7^th May, a true highlight and honour of attending the King’s Garden Party and managed to catch a glimpse of His Majesty the King, Queen, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

·         8^th May taking part in a moving Remembrance Service at Leicester Cathedral for 80^th Anniversary of VE Day, and that evening joining the community in Glenfield for the lighting of their beacon and light of peace in addition to the privilege of reading the official tribute and joining in the hymn “I vowed to thee my country”. 

·         10^th May, returned to Glenfield for their VE Day Big Lunch, attended by over 600 people.  I was honoured to open the occasion with Lieutenant Colonel Sir Charles Richards, the Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire.

·         17^th May was my last event as Chairman.  This was with the Girl Guides at the Outdoor Pursuit Centre. The highlight of that day was a civic archery competition which I am proud to say was won by Blaby.

The Chairman thanked everyone who has supported him in raising £2300 for the Air Ambulance Service.

Cllr. Ben Taylor thanked the outgoing Chairman for his work towards the fundraising of the charity and district.

The outgoing Chairman Nick Chapman invited nominations for the election of Chairman of Blaby District Council for the ensuing year.

As 2 nominations were received, the Chairman took the vote by a show of hands. 

Cllr. Roy Denney was duly elected. 

Cllr. Stuart Coar left the meeting and returned during consideration of the item.

Cllr. Roy Denney read out the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and thanked Members for the privilege and honour of being elected Chairman.

Members congratulated Cllr. Roy Denney on being elected Chairman of the Council.

Cllr. Roy Denney was invested with the Chain of Office for the Chairman of the Council.

The new Chairman thanked all Members for electing him.

The new Chairman announced that his nominated Charity would be LOROS, and that his consort would be his wife, Doreen Denney.

Cllr. Roy Denney presented Cllr. Nick Chapman with the Past Chairman’s Badge and on behalf of the Council thanked him for his successful years in Office.

Cllr. Nick Chapman thanked his consort Bev for being by his side, and a special acknowledgment for Nicky Brown (Senior PA) for organising his diary and keeping a track of engagements and supporting him over the past 12 months. 

The Chair of the Council invited nominations for the Vice- Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.

Cllr. Janet Forey was duly nominated.

Cllr. Janet Forey read out the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, and thanked Members for being re-elected as Vice-Chairman of the Council.

Cllr. Stuart Coar left the meeting during consideration of this item and did not return.

Under Part 4, Section 1, Paragraph 13 of the Council’s Constitution, the Chairman, Cllr. Roy Denney, moved that Agenda Item 14, Appointments of Chairman and Vice – Chairman be considered before Item 13.

To consider the report of the Senior Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer (enclosed). 

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer.

As 2 nominations had been received for the role of Chairman of Scrutiny Commission, the Chairman took the vote by a show of hands. 

Cllr. Nick Brown was duly elected. 

As 3 nominations had been received for the role of Vice-Chairman of Scrutiny Commission, the Chairman took the vote by a show of hands. 

Cllr. Neil Wright was duly elected.

To consider the report of the Senior Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer (enclosed). 

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer.

The Chairman proposed the remaining reports listed under Section 2 of the agenda, including the supplemental reports received, to be moved without debate unless any Members requested otherwise. 

Cllr. Luke Cousin requested all remaining items be voted upon individually.  The Chairman accepted the request.

To consider the report of the Senior Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer (enclosed). 

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer.

To consider the report of the Senior Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer (enclosed). 

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer.

To consider the report of the Senior Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer (enclosed). 

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer.

Requests received by the Protocol deadline to be reported by the Monitoring Officer with details of the Agenda Item to which they relate. (Such persons entitled to use the Protocol attend for the purpose of making representations, answering questions or giving evidence relating to the business of the meeting and the time allocated to each person is a maximum of three minutes unless extended at the discretion of the Chairman).

No requests were received.

Any Members wishing to submit questions must do so to the Monitoring Officer no later than 5 working days before the meeting.

The Monitoring Officer will report if any questions have been submitted.

No questions were received.