Issue - meetings

To elect the Chairman for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

Council considered the election of Chairman of West Berkshire Council for the Municipal Year 2026/27. Councillor Owen Jeffery nominated Councillor Stephanie Steevenson to the position of Chairman, which was seconded by Councillor Denise Gaines. There were no further nominations received.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Owen Jeffery and seconded by Councillor Denise Gaines:

“That Councillor Stephanie Steevenson be elected as Chairman of West Berkshire Council for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.”

The proposer and seconder spoke in support of their nomination. Councillor Jeffery assured Members that Councillor Steevenson was not afraid to get fully engaged with all aspects of Council work, approaching it with professionalism, care, and a keen sense of what was proper and correct. He also welcomed the opportunity to nominate Councillor Steevenson as he had originally encouraged her to run for a position on Thatcham Town Council. As she was dedicated, serious, professional, and skilful, he was honoured to be able to propose her to be the Chairman of Council. 

In addition, Councillor Gaines highlighted that she had known Councillor Steevenson for years as both a friend and colleague. She noted her exemplary work as both Vice-Chairman and also as the Council’s Armed Forces Champion. For these reasons, Councillor Gaines was happy to second the nomination for Councillor Steevenson to be Chairman of Council. 

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

Councillor Steevenson (The Chairman) read and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. The Chairman thanked all Members for their support and declared that it was an honour to be elected to the position. She also thanked her proposer and seconder for their kind words.

The Chairman outlined her theme for the year, ‘Uniformed Youth’, and highlighted her chosen groups that she wanted to support, Girlguiding Royal Berkshire (Valley Division) and the Royal Berkshire Army Cadet Force.