Agenda and minutes

The Mayor welcomed Councillor Lewis Smith to his first Council meeting

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor L Clarke and J Wade .

The minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September 2023 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Moved by Councillor C Bain and seconded by Councillor L Wood)

Councillor J Wadrup declared an interest in item 7 Appointment of the Chief Executive.   Cllr Wadrup  works for the same authority but as not managed or been directly managed by the individual.  There is no pecuniary or prejudicial interest. 

Councillor D Cook declared an interest in item 5 nomination of alderwoman as Michelle Cook is Cllr Cook’s wife and will take no part in the debate or vote.

Councillor P Thurgood declared an interest in Item 5 nomination of Alderwoman as Michelle Cook is Councillor Thurgood’s daughter and would not take part in the debate or vote.

The Mayor Councillor J Harper made the following announcement

Mayors Christmas Carol Service on 15th and 16^th December.  I would like to invite Councillors to a reception in the Town Hall on 16^th December prior to the Carol Service.

Also draw your attention to a Mayoral Concert on February 10^that Tamworth Assembly Rooms featuring Tony Christie.  Tickets will go on sale soon and the proceeds will be raising funds for Dementia charities in Tamworth.

I am looking to organise a Quiz and tours of Tamworth Castle Church and Town Hall are also being arranged. 

The Leader of the Council Councillor P Turner made the following announcement

On this auspicious occasion I am announcing that I do intend to step down as Leader of the Conservative Group and as Leader of this Council at the end of this evenings meeting.  I’ve had many changes and extra demands on family and work over the last few months so I need to refocus and realign.  But I would like to say its bee a great honour to work with these guys and you guys over the last 6 months.  You haven’t seen the last of me and I shall be sitting on the back seats. 

The Leader of the Opposition Councillor C Dean made the following announcement. 

I would like to say what a pleasure it as been to work with Councillor Turner over the past few months the interaction between the two parties have been really good and I hope that that continues whoever becomes the Leader. 

Councillor C Bain made the following announcement

I do want to reenforce what Cllr Dean as said.  I think that what it has done as produced an atmosphere where we can collaborate together than we could previously, I think it has been a mature set of politics and I’m sorry you are stepping down but I do wish you well in the future and I’m sure your business will go from strength to strength.

Councillor D Cook made the following announcement. 

Just to echo what others have said, I would like to thank Cllr turner for his service to this council.  Obviously, I have sat in his shoes and I know what it is like to surrender the leadership and it’s not an easy decision.  Glad you got to do it better than I did, we were in the middle of covid and I had to do it on Teams.  Thank you for your service. 

Councillor Kingstone made the following announcement.

It a great shame to see Cllr Turner is standing down, and as one of the lone independents it’s been a pleasure to be able to work with Cllr Turner in his role as leader, he has served this town well for the past 6 months that he has been the Leader of Tamworth and he has served from my perspective and I don’t know about from anybody else’s he has put this town on a serious track where  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

Councillor Lewis Smith will replace Councillor Lee Wood on the Infrastructure Safety & Growth Committee.

Councillor Lewis Smith will  replace Lee Clarke on Corporate Scrutiny.

Councillor Lee Clarke will take up the place on The Statutory Officers Conduct Committee.

Councillor Lee Clarke will take up place on the Chief officers Conduct Committee

Councillor M Bailey was nominated as chair of Planning Committee

(Moved by Councillor S Doyle and seconded by Councillor D Cook)

Following a vote Councillor Bailey was declared Chair of Planning Committee

To consider conferring the title of Honorary Alderwoman on Michelle Cook under Section 249(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, in recognition of her services to the Council whilst she was a member of the Council, having served as a Councillor of the Borough of Tamworth for at least three consecutive terms.

(Report of the Leader of the Council and  Chair of the Appointments and Staffing Committee)

Report of the Leader of the Council to consider the recommendation of the Appointments & Staffing Committee to approve the appointment of the Chief Executive and Returning Officer to the Council with effect from 1st April 2024