New Chair appointed for Arun District Council
Councillors voted at the Annual Council meeting last evening and a new Chair and Vice Chair were appointed.
Outgoing Chair, Cllr Jim Brooks started the meeting and gave thanks to all those who supported him during his year as Chair of the council . He also acknowledged the challenging circumstances of this, and the last two years. Cllr Brooks announced that he will be donating funds to his chosen charity, Youth Music, and also to the chosen charities of past Chairs, Cllr Amanda Worne (2020/21) PACSO and Cllr Jeanette Warr (2019/20) Snowdrop Trust, due to the impact that COVID-19 had on their fundraising activities.
The vote was then taken to appoint Cllr Samantha-Jayne Staniforth as Chair for the council for the forthcoming year, and the ceremonial presentation of the chains of office took place, with two of Cllr Staniforth’s sons present.
Cllr Staniforth said:
“I am delighted and honoured to have been voted as Chair of Arun District Council. As an ambassador of the council, I am looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunities that it will bring to highlight our wonderful district and the people in it. I am also looking forward to leading council meetings in a fair and ordered manner and working with all parties to ensure that we do the best for the residents of the district.”
Following this appointment, Cllr Alison Cooper was then voted as Vice Chair of the council and received her badge of office and took her seat next to the new Chair.
Cllr Cooper said:
“Being elected as Vice Chair of the council is a great privilege and I look forward to working alongside Cllr Staniforth support her in fulfilling her duties in this special Jubilee year. As a West Sussex County Councillor and Rustington Parish Councillor I believe my knowledge and experience will assist us to form a great team for the benefit of the district.”
At the same meeting it was confirmed that Cllr Shaun Gunner will continue as Leader of the Council and Cllr Dr James Walsh, as Leader of the Opposition.
Cllr Gunner said:
“I am proud to have been re-elected as Leader of Council to serve the residents of Arun. We are going to continue with the priorities of this district such as delivering projects as part of the Levelling Up programme, supporting high streets, public realm work, country parks, leisure facilities and providing more council houses. This council is focused on delivering for the people of Arun, making it a better place to live, work and visit.”
The meeting can be viewed on the Arun District Council Website.