For details of the Order of Proceedings please see page 7

In nominating Councillor Rayner for the office of Deputy Mayor, Councillor David Evans explained that you could tell a lot about a person from their pet.   He commented upon the particular characteristics of Councillor C Rayner’s pet dog, Stubbings, a West Highland Terrier.  He explained that Councillor Rayner shared many of those characteristics, as he was intelligent, quick to learn, independent, assured and self-confident, although he jovially advised that they also had a tendency to be stubborn, leading to issues with training. However, he contended that by marrying his wife, Councillor Samantha Rayner, and together producing triplet daughters, Councillor Rayner had adequately dealt with the issue of training.

He explained that Councillor C Rayner was also territorial and could proudly trace his ancestry back to the 14^th Century.  He commented that the family have had a substantial farming business in the area for many years and explained that it was claimed that you could walk from one end of the Borough to the other without leaving Rayner land. 

He advised that the Rayner family had built up a successful entrepreneurial family business and that Councillor C Rayner was recognised in both local and national farming organisations. For those early risers, Councillor C Rayner was also a regular contributor on the early morning BBC Radio 4 Farming Today programme.

He advised that Councillor Rayner was a man dedicated to public service and had served the residents of Horton and Wraysbury since 2005.  He had served as a member of the Cabinet, had been Mayor in 2012/2013, having been Deputy Mayor the preceding year and had also served on Horton Parish Council since 2003.

In conclusion, Councillor D Evans commented upon Councillor C Rayner’s strength of character, which he stated shone through in his leadership during the great floods in 2014.  Along with others, Councillor C Rayner coordinated a team to assist stranded residents and played a leading role in bringing the plight of the local residents devastated by the floods to national attention.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Dr L Evans advised that Councillor C Rayner had been a great support to her when she was elected to serve on the Council.  She explained that as Deputy Mayoress, his wife Samantha Rayner, who was not only a Councillor but Lead Member for Culture and Communities, was ideally suited to support him in the role of Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Dr L Evans commented upon the various community projects and organisations with which Councillor S Rayner was involved, in particular a number of the charities that she supported as a Trustee.  Councillor Dr L Evans also commented upon Councillor Rayner’s three daughters, who were all studying at university, and outlined their various achievements. 

In conclusion, Councillor Dr L Evans advised that Councillor C Rayner would be ably supported by all the women in his family and therefore it was her pleasure to second the motion that he be elected Deputy Mayor for the coming year.

It was moved by Councillor D Evans, seconded by Councillor Dr L Evans, and:

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Councillor Colin Rayner be appointed Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for the ensuing Municipal Year.

The Managing Director declared Councillor Colin Rayner duly appointed Deputy Mayor. Councillor C Rayner made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, witnessed by Councillors D Evans and Dr L Evans.

In his speech of acceptance, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor C Rayner, explained how proud and honoured he was to be elected Deputy Mayor and expressed his sincere appreciation to his fellow Councillors for bestowing on him that great privilege and responsibility.  He expressed his commitment to serving the people of the Royal Borough to the best of his abilities, which he would do with enthusiasm, compassion and devotion to the community.

Councillor C Rayner thanked Councillor D Evans and Councillor Dr L Evans for their kind words, thanked his family for their continued support and thanked the residents of Horton and Wraysbury.  He also thanked the former Mayor and fellow Ward Councillor, Councillor Lenton, for his friendship over the years.

He commented that, together with his wife, Councillor Samantha Rayner, they looked forward to fulfilling the roles of Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress and supporting the Mayor and Mayoress in their busy schedule.  He also took the opportunity to thank the officers that he had worked with over the past few years in his various roles, in particular as Chairman of the Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Chairman of the Visitor Management Forum and Vice Chairman of the Windsor Rural Planning Panel.  He advised that he had been amazed by their hard work and dedication and he would miss working with them.

In conclusion, he stated that he was very proud to serve the Royal Borough as Deputy Mayor.  He would aim to support the many wonderful local organisations and would enjoy meeting all the voluntary organisations over the next year whose selfless commitment helped to ensure that residents lived a better life.

Councillor C Rayner then presented Councillor Quick and her husband John with their past Deputy Mayor's and past Deputy Mayor’s Consort badges.