Agenda item

To appoint a Mayor of the Borough of Charnwood for the Council year 2020/21.

In accordance with Council Procedure 9.1 of the Council’s Constitution, Council considered electing a Mayor for the 2020/21 Council year. It was proposed by Councillor Hamilton and seconded by Councillor Taylor that Councillor Snartt be elected Mayor of the Borough of Charnwood for the 2020/21 Council year and until his successor becomes entitled to act as Mayor.

In proposing the motion, Councillor Hamilton complimented Councillor Snartt on his polite, positive and cheerful nature.

He referred to Councillor Snartt’s military career and stated that after joining the RAF at age 16, he spent 12 years as an engineer and remained active in the Armed Forces community today. Following this, Councillor Snartt had enjoyed a long career as a Manager at Xerox, and upon retiring, became involved in local politics as a Parish Councillor.

In 2003, Councillor Snartt progressed his political career, becoming District Councillor for the Forest/Bradgate ward. Councillor Hamilton stated that despite pride in his own ward, it was easy to be envious of any Councillor that represented a ward known for such picturesque beauty.

Councillor Snartt’s experience at Charnwood Borough Council included acting as Cabinet Lead Member for Communities and Health amongst other important roles focussing on crime reduction and community safety. He also represented the Council as a Trustee of the Herrick Homes Charity.

Between 2005 and 2017, Councillor Snartt was a member of Leicestershire County Council, and Chairman during the 2015-16 Council year. In addition, he had been a past Chairman of the Bradgate Park Trust and for this service was awarded the title of Honorary Alderman.

Councillor Snartt had a keen interest in sports, specifically Cricket, acting as Vice President of his local Cricket club, tennis and squash. In addition, Councillor Snartt is known for his enthusiasm for gardening, and supplying neighbours and fellow Councillors with his home grown produce.

It was noted that his wife Joan would support him in his Mayoral year as Mayoress. Together they had two children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Councillor Hamilton concluded by stating that Councillor Snartt had fulfilled his goal of making a true difference to the community over the years, and that he believed Councillor Snartt would embrace his new role as Mayor with his usual sense of public duty.

In seconding the motion, Councillor Taylor stated that it was Councillor Snartt that had encouraged her to stand as a Borough Councillor in May 2015. She complimented his nature and stated that he was always smiling.

Amongst many other hobbies, Councillor Snartt enjoyed horse racing and would regularly offer Councillor Taylor a ‘great tip’ on a potential winner, whilst delivering his homegrown runner beans to her.

Councillor Taylor stated that she admired and respected Councillor Snartt’s commitment to achieve the best for his residents and his determination to succeed, whilst maintaining a pleasant and persuasive manner. She said that Councillor Snartt had been the best mentor to her when she began her political career, providing her with guidance and encouragement. She believed that without Councillor Snartt’s support, she may not have attained the political positions that she holds today.

In concluding, Councillor Taylor stated that she believed Councillor Snartt would be an excellent ambassador for the Council, promoting Charnwood and raising money for his chosen charities. She wished Councillor Snartt and his wife Joan luck in their Mayoral year, anticipating that they would spread knowledge and humour across the Borough.

Following the above speeches, the Mayor put the motion to the vote and it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that Councillor Snartt be elected Mayor of the Borough of Charnwood for the 2020/21 Council year and until his successor becomes entitled to act as Mayor.

Following this, Councillor Snartt verbally made a declaration of acceptance of office, noting that the official acceptance form would be duly signed in the presence of the Proper Officer when circumstances permit. Councillor Snartt then officiated for the remainder of the meeting.

The Mayor began his acceptance speech by thanking those present at the meeting and for the kind words of his colleagues and fellow Councillors. He then went on to thank key workers and the NHS for their work during the recent pandemic. He thanked the Council staff for their dedication and for ensuring that front line services continued for the benefit of Charnwood Borough residents. He thanked the many volunteers that had helped to provide essential items to those in need, specifically the elderly and the vulnerable. Councillor Snartt stated that he was looking forward to meeting many of the frontline staff that had supported communities in recent times so that he could thank them personally. Finally, he thanked his wife Joan, who would support him in his Mayoral year as Mayoress.

The Mayor acknowledged the importance of the Mayor to the people of Charnwood and stated that he would do his best to uphold the excellent contribution that past Mayors had given. The Mayor anticipated that the year ahead would be challenging, given the current circumstances, but stated that he would offer help where possible.

He concluded by expressing his delight at being chosen as Mayor and stated that it was unfortunate that he could not celebrate with colleagues, friends and family following the meeting. He hoped that this would be possible later in the coming year.