As this is the final council meeting that I have the honour of chairing as Mayor of Ripon, I would like to take a moment to reflect and, most importantly, to express my sincere thanks.

Although I am a Liberal Democrat, I was elected in September 2025, following the resignation of the previous mayor, by six Independent councillors. I believe this reflected their trust in me as a person of integrity, committed to serving this council and our city with honesty and fairness.

Over the past seven months, I have had the privilege of representing Ripon at 40 events, including ten in the last month alone. These have ranged from visits to Moorside School, Sycamore Hall and Borrage Hall Care homes, to the 85th anniversary of the Air Training Corps, the Easter service at Ripon Cathedral broadcast by the BBC, an Iftar dinner with the Islamic community during Ramadan, an Ugadi celebration of New Year with the South Indian Hindu community, the Sights & Sounds event, the launch of the Theatre Festival at the Arts Hub, and a choral society performance at the cathedral.

Through these engagements, I have had the opportunity to meet many remarkable individuals from across our diverse community, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to listen to and share in their experiences.

Public service is never a solitary endeavour. It relies on commitment, collaboration, and a shared dedication to doing what is best for our city. I have been fortunate to work alongside councillors, officers, and members of the public who have contributed their time, energy, and support with genuine dedication.

In particular, I would like to thank Cllrs McHardy, Martin-Long, Duncan, Hardisty, and former Cllr Bate, as well as former town clerks Paula Benson and Adam Chugg. Their guidance, support, and constructive approach, even in challenging circumstances, have made this role not only manageable, but truly meaningful.

However, it would not be honest of me to suggest that this support has been universal. There have been occasions when cooperation has fallen short, where the spirit of teamwork has been overshadowed by political group considerations, and where the shared responsibilities of this council have not always been met with the seriousness they require. At times, this has made the work of the council more difficult, chaotic and less effective than it should have been.

During my tenure, I have faced serious allegations, including accusations of dishonesty and misconduct, reports made to the police, formal complaints submitted to the North Yorkshire Monitoring Officer, and sustained, severe, and deeply distressing bullying and harassment on social media. There have also been instances of direct disrespect shown towards me as chair, calls for my resignation, and support expressed for a Parish Poll that was both constitutionally and democratically questionable.

No mayor of this city should be expected to endure such treatment.

Leadership requires support, but it also demands accountability — from every one of us.

I hope that all members of this council will reflect on the importance of unity, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose in serving the people of Ripon.

Despite the challenges, it has been a genuine privilege to serve as mayor. I leave this role with gratitude for those who upheld the principles of public service, and with the hope that this council will continue to strive for higher standards for one another, and for the city we are all here to serve.

Cllr Barbara Brodigan

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Ripon