Issue - meetings
ELECTION OF THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
Meeting: 13/01/2026 - Council (Item 65)
ELECTION OF THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
To consider the election of the Leader of the Council.
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Val Bryant be elected as the Leader of the Council.
Minutes:
Audio recording – 3 minutes 27 seconds
Councillor Laura Williams proposed Councillor Val Bryant as Leader of the Council. This was seconded by Councillor Nigel Mason.
N.B. Councillors Steven Patmore, Sam Collins entered the Chamber and David Barnard returned to the Chamber at 19.35.
As part of the Debate, Councillor Ralph Muncer noted that his Group had voted to defend democratic processes in removing the previous leader. He noted that whilst the Conservatives would not support the nomination, they would not oppose it either, and would take the same action to remove the new Leader if the will of Council was not listened to.
Having been proposed and seconded, and following a vote, it was:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Val Bryant be elected as the Leader of the Council.
In response to being elected Leader of the Council, Councillor Val Bryant noted that:
· She wanted to thank Councillor Daniel Allen for his work as previous Leader of the Council and the Council staff for navigating through the difficult weeks since the vote of no confidence.
· She would be the continuity candidate and would continue with the Council Plan and Council Delivery Plan in place.
· The work of Officers at the Council was the reason why objectives in the Council Plan were still being achieved and work delivered.
· Councillor Sean Nolan would be the new Deputy Leader of the Council.
Councillor Claire Strong congratulated Councillor Bryant on her election and noted it was right for her to take over as previous Deputy Leader. It was important that the will of Council was adhered to, as the consequences of losing the confidence of the Chamber were now known.