To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for Absence were received from Councillors Bond and Hill.

To receive any declarations of interest

No declarations were received.

For details of the order of proceedings please see page 7

As per Part 2C 6.2 of the constitution the Mayor had agreed that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency, as Members had agreed to amend the date of Annual Council to 4 May 2021 on 27 April 2021.

The Mayor invited nominations for the election of the Mayor of the Royal Borough for the 2021/22 municipal year.

In proposing Councillor Story, Councillor Carroll commented on the exceptional qualities Councillor Story had brought to the role over the last few months. He brought huge integrity and ethics to all that he did and a fairness and balance which was essential to the role of Chairman. Councillor Story’s understanding and knowledge of the constitution and due process was first class, as was his willingness to allow debates to run smoothly and fairly. Councillor Carroll explained that Councillor Story had got stuck on the Falkland Islands at the start of the pandemic; this had proven that nothing phased him, and he was truly match-fit for anything. Councillor Carroll stated this it was his pleasure and privilege to propose Councillor Story as Mayor.

It was proposed by Councillor Carroll, seconded by Councillor Shelim and:

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Councillor John Story be elected Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for the 2021/22 Municipal Year.

The Chief Executive declared Councillor Story duly elected Mayor.

Councillor Story made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

In making his speech of acceptance, Councillor Story commented that it was a great honour to be re-elected as the Royal Borough's Mayor. He thanked Members and officers for the tremendous support they had given him during the past four and a half months. Chairing council meetings was of course just one part of a Mayor's job. He was always mindful when chairing a council meeting that the Constitution made it very clear that the overriding aim of the meeting was to promote confidence in the Council by the public.

This was why he particularly welcomed members of the public at Council meetings, whether it was presenting a petition or asking Cabinet Members questions, or even just showing an interest by watching it on YouTube.

Councillor Story commented that he had tried to make the meetings a bit easier to understand and follow by explaining things as they happened and also, when he could, being flexible on time limits when Members were considering matters which he knew were of great public interest. In doing this he hoped the meetings would become a bit more public-friendly. After all, the one thing all had in common was that they wanted residents and businesses to be proud of, and say good things about, their Council.

For details of the order or proceedings please see page 7

As per Part 2C 6.2 of the constitution the Mayor had agreed that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency, as Members had agreed to amend the date of Annual Council to 4 May 2021 on 27 April 2021.

The Mayor invited nominations for the election of the Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough for the 2021/22 Municipal Year.

In proposing Councillor Muir, Councillor Luxton explained that Councillor Muir had been elected as Deputy Mayor in 2019, and he had continued in the role in December 2020. Councillor Muir was a hard-working Deputy Mayor and was fully qualified to fulfil the duties of the role. It was her pleasure to nominate him.

It was proposed by Councillor Luxton, seconded by Councillor Rayner, and:

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Councillor Gary Muir be elected Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for the 2021/22 Municipal Year.

The Chief Executive declared Councillor Muir duly elected Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Muir made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. In making his speech of acceptance, Councillor Muir commented that he looked forward to his role supporting as many charities and community events as possible. He thanked the Mayor and the Civic Team for their support. It was an honour to serve.

To consider the above report

As per Part 2C 6.2 of the constitution the Mayor had agreed that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency, as Members had agreed to amend the date of Annual Council to 4 May 2021 on 27 April 2021.

Members considered the political balance and resulting memberships of the council’s panels, committees and forums for the 2021/22 Municipal Year.

Councillor Johnson notified Council of the appointments to Cabinet for the 2021/22 year.

It was proposed by Councillor Johnson, seconded by Councillor Rayner, and:

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:That Full Councilnotes the report and:

i)          Notes the political balance of the council detailed in Table 1.

ii)        Approves the membership of the committees, panels and forums for the Municipal Year as detailed in Appendix A.

iii)       Appoints the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen for the Municipal Year as detailed in Appendix A.

iv)       Delegates authority to the Head of Governance to amend/make further appointments on the nomination of the relevant Group Leader.