North Tyneside Council has announced its new chairman for the next 12 months.
At last night’s annual meeting of the council, Cllr Tommy Mulvenna, a representative for Valley ward, took over the chain of office from Cllr Cath Davis.
As well as carrying out the civic role for the council, the Chairman nominates a good cause to be the focus of support for their year of tenure.
Cllr Mulvenna has chosen to support two projects; supporting the rollout of defibrillators in North Tyneside schools and raising awareness of the Make Christmas Special initiative.
Welcoming his appointment and giving thanks to Cllr Davis, Cllr Mulvenna said: “I must thank the retiring chair, Cllr Davis for all of her hard work. She has been a true advocate of the council and has done a great job representing the local authority and has also raised thousands of pounds for three very worthy causes.
“It’s a great honour and privilege to be taking over this role from Cllr Davis. I am looking forward to my tenure and meeting residents of the borough over the year. I am also looking forward to supporting two important causes; I very much value the health and wellbeing of our young people and recognise the importance of defibrillators in schools. While the majority of schools in the borough have the equipment available, I would like to see defibrillators in all schools and I’d like to support those without them achieve this goal.
“I will also be supporting Make Christmas Special, a joint initiative between the council, local business, churches and the community and voluntary sector. For many people Christmas is a time spent with family and friends, but for some it can be a lonely time, particularly Christmas Day, but this campaign aims to bring people together to make Christmas special for everyone.”
Cllr Davis added: “I have had such a great year; I have enjoyed it tremendously, especially meeting and working with many wonderful people.
“I am also delighted to have raised thousands of pounds for Maggie’s Cancer Centre in Newcastle, the North Shields Living at Home Scheme and the YMCA North Shields.
“I would also like to congratulate Cllr Mulvenna and wish him the best of luck for the next year.”
Also at the meeting, Wendy Lott, a councillor for Riverside ward, was announced as the Deputy Chairman.
The civic role of being the Chairman also requires the post holder to:
• Uphold and promote the purposes of the constitution.
• Preside over meetings of the council so that its business can be carried out efficiently.
• Ensure that the council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community and the place at which members who are not on the executive are able to hold the executive to account.
• Together with the Mayor, the chairman will promote the council as a whole and act as a focal point for the community.
• Carry out civic and ceremonial duties.
ENDS
