Decision
Analysis
outcome: Cllr L Mead was elected as the Chairman of the Council.
summary: The decision is regarding the election of Cllr L Mead as the Chairman of the Council for the municipal year 2025/26.
topline: The Council has decided to elect Cllr L Mead as the Chairman for the upcoming municipal year.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it seems to be a routine election process within the council.
affected_stakeholders: ["Cllr L Mead", "Councillors", "Residents of Epping Forest District"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are mentions of Cllr C Whitbread and Cllr Pond, but no clear implication of political influence on the decision.
URL: https://rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4302
Decision Maker: Council
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: The nomination of Cllr L Mead for the office of Chairman of Council was proposed by Cllr C Pond and seconded by Cllr S Murray. Resolved: (1) That Cllr L Mead be elected Chairman of the Council for the municipal year 2025/26. Cllr L Mead thereupon made a Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Chairman of the Council and presented Cllr L Burrows with his Past Chairman’s badge. Cllr L Mead in the Chair Cllr L Mead stated that it was with great honour that she accepted the role of Chairman and wanted to begin by expressing her sincere gratitude. The new Chairman thanked her proposer and seconder and all Councillors for putting their trust in her and for having been so supportive. Cllr L Burrows and his wife Carol had made her year as Vice Chairman a year to remember and had been so kind and accepting of her daughter. Cllr L Mead had also learnt much from the Officers that supported the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Council, especially P Seager. Cllr L Mead particularly thanked the leader, Cllr C Whitbread for his understanding of the importance of inclusion and accessibility along with Councillors across all parties who had been supportive of her unusual circumstances as a single mother with a special needs child, which had enabled Cllr L Mead to carry out her role as a Councillor. Finally, Cllr L Mead thanked Cllr Pond and his dear wife, Caroline, who had taken a chance on her to represent the Loughton Residents Association in Fairmead Ward. Cllr L Mead stated that serving the Fairmead ward in Loughton had been a privilege, and also thanked her ward colleague of 10 years, former Cllr D Wixley, for his support. During her year as Vice Chairman, Cllr L Mead had met many residents, community volunteers, community champions and the Youth Council, and all these people made Epping Forest a special place to live and work. Cllr L Mead was looking forward to meeting many more people during her Chairmanship in the coming months and continuing to raise the profile of Epping Forest District Council as a place to work and live. The new Chairman stated that her 14-year-old daughter, Daisy-Mae, would be her consort, but when Daisy-Mae was unable to accompany her, then former Cllr David Wixley had kindly agreed to be her consort. Looking ahead, the new Chairman intended to lead with fairness and consistency. Cllr L Mead expected all Councillors to uphold the principles of respect, professionalism and constructive dialogue both in and out of the chamber. She would not tolerate any rudeness during meetings and would ensure this was ceased if it was witnessed in the Chamber. Finally, the new Chairman encouraged members of the public to attend Full Council Meetings in the public gallery and to register to ask questions or listen to the proceedings. Cllr L Mead stated that all Councillors needed to hear from residents to enable them to better represent their constituents.
Date of Decision: May 22, 2025