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06
May 2020
Councils left in quandary over mayor-making under lockdown
Local democracy is facing an unprecedented challenge as parish, district and county councils find ways to work and continue decision-making when they cannot meet in person.
The business of councils is being completed through powers delegated to officers or in online meetings - including this week's cabinet meeting at Harrogate Borough Council.
The ceremonial roles of mayors and their deputies are usually handed over at annual meetings in May. The traditional ceremonies are not currently possible, but some new mayors are still taking up the reins across the Harrogate district.
Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge both have new mayors after completing their official declarations remotely.
The incoming Boroughbridge mayor Coun Pat Taylor was sworn in from May 1st, taking over after Coun Geoff Haldenby concluded his two-year term of office. Town clerk John Nichols said:
In Pateley Bridge, a Zoom meeting saw Coun Mike Holt complete his declarations online, with the official documents to be signed when social distancing measures allow. He takes over from Coun Chris Skaife and, although the council does not hold a ceremony, the usual service and civic reception could still take place later in the year.
In Ripon and Knaresborough, the current mayor will stay in post for now. Ripon City Council's current mayor, Coun Eamon Parkin, will continue in his role until the council can meet to make a decision about how to proceed with a new mayor. City clerk Paula Benson said:
Mrs Benson is carrying out routine work, such as giving responses to planning applications in line with Ripon City Plan, which has been adopted as its policy. However, decisions about future activities such as choosing a contractor to supply Christmas lights have been put on hold until meetings resume.
She said that, should socially-distanced meetings be resumed in the coming months, the council will have to consider how this might be done in a way that will still allow the public to attend safely.
'It wouldn't be fair'
In Knaresborough, Coun Christine Willoughby is expecting to continue her mayoral role for now and potentially for the full year, subject to a final decision by the town council.
Coun Willoughby said the business of the council is carrying on, including negotiating a new Christmas lights contract and agreeing a grant for FEVA. The latter will support street entertainment in August, if social distancing guidance at the time allows.
Harrogate Borough Council, meanwhile, says it has not yet made a decision on how to proceed, with its planned mayor-making ceremony due to have taken place on May 18th. Coun Stuart Martin, who has held the role of mayor for the last year, said he expects a decision to be made next week after any change in government guidance over the weekend.
North Yorkshire County Council's AGM has been postponed. The chairman, Coun Jim Clark of Harrogate Harlow division, and vice chairman Robert Heseltine of Skipton East, will continue in their roles until the meeting can be held either virtually or in person.
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