At last night’s annual meeting of the council, Cllr Dave McGarr, a councillor for Battle Hill ward, took over the chain of office from Cllr Gary Bell.
As well as fulfilling the civic role for the local authority, the chair nominates a charity to be the focus of their support for their year of tenure, and Cllr McGarr will announce his shortly.
Welcoming his appointment, Cllr McGarr said: “It’s an honour to be appointed at the new chairman and I am really looking forward to the year ahead.
“Cllr Bell has been a true advocate of the council and, as well as doing a great job representing the local authority, has done an excellent job raising thousands of pounds for three very worthy charities.”
Cllr Bell added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure and all the people I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with.
“I am also very pleased to announce that I have raised over £10,500 for my chosen charities,Forward Assist Veteran’s Support Charity, Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade and LD North East, which are all very close to my heart.
“I would also like to congratulate Cllr McGarr and wish him the best of luck for the next year.”
At the meeting, Cllr Cath Davis, a councillor for Preston ward, was announced as the deputy chair.
The position of chairman is a civic role that 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.