Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council Council Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillors Bean, Dillow, Durrant, Grant, Howard-Sorrell, Hussey, Izett, Konieczko, Kotecha.

Nominations were invited for the election of the Mayor of the Borough for the ensuing year 2023/24.  Councillor Jones proposed, seconded by Councillor Edwards, that Councillor David Leeks be elected Mayor of the Borough to hold office for the ensuing year 2023/24.

Resolved:     That Councillor David Leeks be elected to the office of Mayor for the ensuing year 2023/24.

The Mayor then made his Declaration of Acceptance of Office and took the Chair.

Nominations were invited for the election of the Deputy Mayor of the Borough for the ensuing year 2023/24.  Councillor Rhatigan proposed and Councillor Mummalaneni seconded, that Councillor Dan Putty be elected Deputy Mayor of the Borough for the ensuing year 2023/24.

Resolved: That Councillor Dan Putty be elected to the office of Deputy Mayor for the ensuing year 2023/24.

The Deputy Mayor then made his Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The new Mayor gave a speech of thanks to Councillor Miller and Mrs Miller as Mayor and Mayoress, for their service to the civic office during the municipal year 2022/23.  He highlighted some of the many engagements and events they had attended during their year in office in particular the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Proclamation following the death of the Queen, events to mark the King’s Coronation, the Mayor’s Civic Day and the Mayors skydive to raise money for his charities. 

Councillor Miller thanked the Mayor for his kind words and reflected on his unique year in office, travelling around the borough and engaging with local communities particularly during the joyous time celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  He highlighted events such as the Civic Service held to commemorate the death of the Queen,  the honour he had to announce the Proclamation of the King and the many events held by local communities to celebrate the King’s Coronation.  He further highlighted the elements that make the borough a great place to live such as the countryside, historic places of interest, vibrant business economy and most importantly the residents. 

He referred to the work of volunteers across many sectors of the community supporting foodbanks, charities, vulnerable people and the numerous organisations supporting the younger generation.  He had presented youth awards in recognition of the achievement of young people who had made a difference in their community, nominated from youth organisations, schools, cadets and scouting groups.  He had also instigated another initiative, a children’s Mayor, that he hoped would come to fruition in the coming year, to represent the younger generation at certain mayoral events.

He gave thanks to current and former Homes for Ukraine hosts and his Chaplain Reverend Canon Linda Scard for her advice and support throughout the year.  He also thanked the Anvil, Haymarket, Bats, BAOS, choirs and Gang Show for the amazing performances they had delivered.  Finally he gave special thanks to the Mayoral Co-Ordinator for her support during the year.

Awards and certificates were presented to individuals and business for their contribution to life in the borough:

Individual Award:                 Michaela Riley – Spotlight Tadley

                                                David Chatten-Smith – Community Radio

                                                Nick Lewis – Aldworth Charity Club

Business Award:                  Lavazza Professional UK

Community Certificates:     Janet Walker – Home Instead

                                                Gill Barrett – Loddon School

                                                Linda Mead – Tadley Age Concern

Special Recognition:           Scarlett Cripps

The Mayor announced that Reverend Steve McKay would be his Chaplain and Spiritual Advisor for his year in office.

He also announced his charities for the year as Shopmobility Basingstoke, Citizens Advice Basingstoke and Citizens Advice Tadley.  His theme for the year would be community volunteering.