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    06

    May 2021

    Last Updated: 06/05/2021
    Politics
    Politics

    Ripon councillor elected as county council chairman

    by Calvin Robinson

    | 06 May, 2021
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    Councillor Stuart Martin, who has represented Ripon south since 2017, has been elected as the new chairman of North Yorkshire County Council. He was mayor of the Harrogate borough until last month.

    stuartmartin
    Cllr Stuart Martin, who has been elected as the new chairman of North Yorkshire County Council.

    A Ripon councillor has been elected as the new chairman of North Yorkshire County Council.

    Cllr Stuart Martin, a retired firefighter who has represented Ripon south on the authority since 2017, was voted in at a meeting yesterday. He will chair the county council for the next 12 months.

    Although Cllr Martin is a Conservative, the role of chairman is apolitical. He will be responsible for promoting the council at civic and ceremonial events as well as chair full county council meetings.

    Cllr Martin was until last month mayor of Harrogate borough. He also represents Ripon Moorside ward on both Harrogate Borough Council and Ripon City Council.

    Cllr Margaret Atkinson, who represents the Conservatives in Masham and Fountains division, has been elected as deputy chair of the county council.



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    Cllr Martin said he wanted to commemorate Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day more appropriately during his time in the position.

    He said:

    “I am looking forward to supporting organisations and charities as much as possible as we open up and I am looking at setting up a chairman’s fund, because so many charities have taken such a hit over the last 18 months.
    “It is essential that the civic side of things carries on and whoever is in this role continues to support businesses and the community. I know from previously being mayor of Ripon and of Harrogate district how appreciative businesses and organisations are of that support.
    “It is vital we open slowly and don’t try to rush things, but as things open up I am keen to help. I think it is important that we all try to do our bit to help.”