Newark and Sherwood District Council elects new Chairman and Vice-Chairman

The meeting began with nominations for the new Chairman which included a speech from the proposer Councillor Sylvia Michael who nominated Councillor Sue Saddington, she said: ‘I personally have known Sue since 1999 as we were both elected as Councillors onto Newark and Sherwood District Council. Since that time I have found Sue to be a true and honest friend. She is hard working, committed and a dedicated councillor and if elected this evening Sue will be a wonderful ambassador for this Council.’

Councillor Ivor Walker then seconded the nomination for Councillor Sue Saddington.

Following this, Councillor Sue Saddington of Muskham ward was unanimously elected to the post of Chairman for the next civic year.

Councillor Saddington had previously been Vice-Chairman during the past year and had supported previous Chairman Councillor Penny Rainbow during the Full Council Committee meetings.

Former Chairman Councillor Penny Rainbow congratulated the new Chairman and reflected back on the past year. She said: ‘I know you’ll have a good year and will do it extremely well so congratulations. I came into this position [as Chairman] in COVID and if you recall we were meeting socially distanced via Teams at the time and I put the chain on myself, but that’s history and we move on. I know I was the first person elected on Teams and I sincerely hope I’m the last to be elected by Teams. I’ve done this role with a great deal of pride and I have felt very privileged to have done that.

‘There’s been many and varied events I’ve been involved in, I’ve lit a beacon, raised a few flags, planted a tree, been at the unveiling of the Irena Sendler statue and attended many civic services so it really has been a tremendous year and I thank you all in having the trust in me on doing that on your behalf.’

Councillor Penny Rainbow chose Citizens Advice Sherwood & Newark as her chosen charity as Chairman and raised £1,010 during the year. This doesn’t include the collection from the civic service which will be added to the final total.

In thanking Councillor Rainbow for her service, Councillor Bruce Laughton, said: ‘It would be remiss of me not to stand and thank Penny for her civic year. We all know Penny is an absolute star. I now live in Southwell and I see all the work that she does on behalf of residents and staff and I can ensure you it is a lot. I’ve watched Penny over the years and a difficult year with COVID and the implications that has had but Penny as per usually has taken it in her stride and delivered for our residents ‘

Newly elected Chairman, Councillor Sue Saddington, then made her opening speech, she said: ‘Thank you for your support, I’m looking forward to my year as Chairman and representing all members in all wards of the Council. Thank you Penny for inviting me to be your Vice-Chairman last year and despite starting your year as Chairman with COVID still very much in evidence I’m sure it wasn’t easy wearing a mask during events.’

Also elected on the night was Councillor Lydia Hurst of Balderton South ward who was unanimously elected to the post of Vice-Chairman for the next civic year. Councillor Ronnie White made the proposal with Councillor Johno Lee seconding. 

During the event, Leader of the District Council David Lloyd was re-elected as Leader for another year. Councillor Roger Blaney made the proposal with Councillor Jack Kellas seconding.