Issue - meetings

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

Council considered the election of Vice-Chairman of West Berkshire Council for the Municipal Year 2026/27. Councillor Heather Codling nominated Councillor Martha Vickers to the position of Vice-Chairman, which was seconded by Councillor Owen Jeffery. There were no further nominations received.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Heather Codling and seconded by Councillor Owen Jeffery:

“That Councillor Martha Vickers be elected as Vice-Chairman of West Berkshire Council for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.”

The proposer and seconder spoke in support of their nomination. Councillor Codling informed Council that she had known Councillor Vickers since she was elected to Newbury District Council in 1991. She described Councillor Vickers’ background, her career as a health visitor, how she founded a youth council, and her passions for housing, health and wellbeing, and the environment and climate change. Overall, Councillor Codling believed that Councillor Vickers would be an excellent Vice-Chairman and provide invaluable support to the Chairman.

In seconding this nomination, Councillor Owen Jeffery highlighted that he was delighted to nominate his second female candidate for the evening, and that he believed this would be the first time both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman would be women. He also expressed his support for Councillor Vickers and agreed that she would provide excellent support to the Chairman

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

Councillor Martha Vickers (The Vice-Chairman) read and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. The Vice-Chairman thanked all Members for their support.