1.       The retiring Mayor will announce that the first item of business is the election of the Mayor.

2.       The retiring Mayor will invite nominations. If there is more than one nomination a ballot will take place. The retiring Mayor will then announce the result.

3.       The retiring Mayor will ask the newly-elected Mayor to make the statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office. The new Mayor will then read the statutory declaration and sign it. The declaration will be witnessed by the Chief Executive.

4.       The newly elected Mayor will take the chair.

5.       The newly-elected Mayor will proceed with Item 2 on the Agenda and ask for nominations for Deputy Mayor and a seconder. If there is more than one nomination a ballot will take place. The newly-elected Mayor will then announce the result.

6.       The newly-elected Mayor and the newly-appointed Deputy Mayor will retire to an adjoining room, where they will robe.

7.       All will STAND while the procession leaves the Auditorium.

8.       There will be an interval while the Mayoral party changes robes.

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9.       The Mace Bearer will announce the return of the Mayoral party.

10.      On the return of the newly-elected Mayor, Members of the Council will STAND in their places, and WILL REMAIN STANDING until the newly-elected Mayor has received the Mace.

11.      The newly-elected Mayor will receive the Mace from the outgoing Mayor, who will repeat the customary words.

12.      All will then be SEATED.

13.       The newly-elected Mayor will address the Council.

14.      The Mayor will sign the Minutes, with the agreement of the Council.

15.      The vote of thanks will be moved and seconded.

16.      The retiring Mayor, Tony Page, and retiring Mayor’s escort, Michael Harper, to receive past Mayors’ badges, presented by the Mayor.

17.       Tony Page will address the Council.

18.      Returning Officer to report.

19.      A motion will be moved at the meeting.

20.      Monitoring Officer to report. The Council will consider a motion, moved by the Leader of the Council.

21.      The Council will consider a motion, moved by the Leader of the Council.

22.      The Council will consider a motion, moved by the Leader of the Council.

23.      The Council will consider a motion, moved by the Leader of the Council.

24.      The Mayor will move a motion setting the dates of Council Meetings for 2024/25.

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MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES

At the conclusion of the Council Meeting, the following meetings will take place:

(a)      A meeting of the Policy Committee. The Mayor will invite the Chair of the Committee to move a motion.

(b)      A meeting of the Licensing Applications Committee. The Mayor will invite the Chair of the Committee to move a motion.

(c)      A meeting of the Strategic Environment, Planning & Transport Committee. The Mayor will invite the Chair of the Committee to move a motion.

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EVERYONE WILL STAND AS THE MAYOR LEAVES THE AUDITORIUM.

The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Retiring Mayor, Freemen and Aldermen/ Alderwomen will process out, passing by the Mayor’s Escort, Deputy Mayor’s Escort and Retiring Mayor’s Escort who will join the procession. The procession will leave by the Centre Doors. Councillors will follow the procession.

All guests will stay seated for a few minutes.