THE chains of office have been handed over to Councillor Val Arnold, who has become the new chairman of Ryedale District Council.

Coun Arnold, ward member for Sinnington, has been involved in local government for the past 14 years and was praised by fellow councillors at Ryedale District Council’s annual meeting last Thursday as she was announced as the chairman.

Addressing the council chamber, she said that she was thrilled to take on the role of chairman.

She said: “Ryedale is a wonderful area with market towns, charming villages and stunning countryside.

“We have exciting times ahead of us and I am looking forward to working with you all.

“It is a very great honour and real privilege to be chairman of Ryedale District Council. I am really looking forward to my year in office, representing Ryedale at many events and meeting to many of the wonderful people who make this area so great.”

Coun Arnold is married to Steve, who is also a member of Ryedale District Council, and they have a son, daughter and three grandchildren.

Coun Arnold, who is also vice-chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, replaces Councillor Luke Ives, who made history by becoming the youngest-ever chairman of a local authority at the age of 22.

Coun Arnold praised the efforts of Coun Ives and said that he was a role model for young people in politics.

Delivering a speech to the council chamber, Coun Ives thanked members for the opportunity to lead the council.

He said: “It has been an honour and an absolute privilege. I have had the pleasure of travelling around the district meeting wonderful people and visiting fantastic events and places.

“I hope I have been a fair chair and fulfilled my duty to uphold our constitution.”

Councillor Bob Gardiner, who was newly elected for Kirkbymoorside at this year’s local election, has been appointed as vice-chairman of Ryedale District Council.

He said: “I look forward to learning very much from this chairman who I know works very hard and I hope I can help to support the community and the whole committee.”

 

Leader re-elected for second time

COUNCILLOR Linda Cowling has been voted as the leader of Ryedale District Council for the second year running.

Questions were raised about the need for a leader during last Thursday’s annual council meeting, but Coun Cowling, a Conservative councillor, was re-elected with 20 votes for, three against and two abstentions.

Councillor John Clark said: “In principle this can be the right decision, but in fact it can be the wrong decision.”

However, other members of the council were in full support of having a leader.

Councillor Luke Ives said: “By having that strong, strategic leadership and decision is when this council achieves.” Councillor Lindsay Burr said: “I passionately believe that we should have a leader.”

There was a unanimous vote that there would not be a deputy council leader.