Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed councillors, past Chairmen, former councillors, guests and officers to the Annual Council meeting.

The Chair welcomed and congratulated Councillor John Brown, Councillor Yvonne Greene. Councillor Paul Jeffreys, Councillor Mark Gorman, Councillor Bryonie Wells, Councillor Julius Parker, Councillor Michael Wilson, Councillor George Popescu, Councillor Nicola Borkmann, Councillor Lisa Smith and Councillor Dr Timothy Faltermeyer, who had been newly elected to Cherwell District Council at the local elections held on 7 May 2026. The newly elected councillors each introduced themselves to Council.

The Chair extended congratulations to Councillor David Hingley, Councillor Ian Harwood, Councillor Rebecca Biegel, Councillor Chris Pruden, Councillor Eddie Reeves, Councillor Jean Conway and Councillor Fiona Mawson who had been re-elected at the local elections on 7 May 2026.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive communications from the Chair

Former Councillors

On behalf of Council, the Chair paid tribute to former Councillors Lynne Parsons and Harry Knight who stood down from the Council in March and Councillors Dr Chukwudi Okeke, Andrew Crichton, Amanda Watkins, Donna Ford, Nick Mawer, John Broad, Phil Chapman, Barry Wood and Gemma Coton who stood down or were not returned to the Council at the May elections, and thanked them for their service to the council, their wards and the district.

Annual Council

By convention, the minutes of Committees, questions, petitions and motions were not considered at Annual Council. These would be included on the agenda of the next scheduled Council meeting on Monday 20 July.

Chair’s Engagements

A copy of the events the Chair or Vice-Chair had attended was published with the agenda. The Chair thanked the Vice-Chair for standing in at events over the past month.

Parish Liaison Meeting – 10 June

The Chair referred to the recent email invitation to the Parish Liaison meeting. Alongside all parishes, district councillors were invited to attend what was always an informative evening. Attendance should be confirmed via reply to the email invitation. 

Members’ Pigeon Holes

Members were reminded to check their pigeon hole and take any post.

It was proposed by Councillor Reeves and seconded by Councillor Walker,  that Councillor Simpson be appointed Chair of Cherwell District Council for the municipal year 2026/2027. There were no other nominations.

Resolved

(1)          That Councillor Nigel Simpson be appointed Chair of Cherwell District Council for the Municipal Year 2026/2027.

(Councillor Walker, outgoing Chair, chaired the meeting until Councillor Simpson was appointed)

Councillor Simpson having made and signed the required Declaration of Acceptance of Office was invested with the Chair’s Chain and took the Chair.

Councillor Simpson addressed Council thanking Members for placing their trust in him and appointing him as Chair. He felt deeply honoured and profoundly humbled. This was not just a position, it was a responsibility, a commitment and a promise to serve with integrity, transparency and dedication. The Chair explained his vision was to ensure every decision taken reflected the needs, hopes and aspirations of the people of Cherwell, listen to every voice in our community and work collaboratively across political lines.

The Chair paid tribute to his wife, Jo, who had agreed to be the Chair’s consort for his term of office.

The Chair announced that the charities he would be supporting during his term of office were Kidlinks, Katiefest and The Joey Beauchamp Foundation.

Over the coming twelve months, a number of events would be organised to raise funds and promote the district with further details being provided in due course. One challenge the Chair was intending to undertake, was to walk the entire length of the Oxford canal in the Cherwell district in one go, and offered an open invitation for anyone to join him for the whole journey or a short stretch.   

The Chair paid tribute to Councillor Walker for her term of office as Chair, her leadership, wisdom and tireless work had left a strong foundation to build upon. The Chair thanked Councillor Walker for her service, friendship and unwavering commitment to this council.

Councillor McLean, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, paid tribute to Councillor Walker for her term of office which she’d fulfilled with warmth, dignity and real integrity. The role of Chair was to be the politically impartial civic head of the council, an ambassador for Cherwell and a guardian of the tone of our proceedings and Councillor Walker had fulfilled that role with grace throughout her year in office.

From the moment Councillor Walker took office in May 2025 and chose to support Homeless Oxfordshire and Asylum Welcome, she set a clear tone of compassion and public service.

Over the course of the year, Councillor Walker had represented the Council at numerous events across, and beyond, the district, always with thoughtfulness and care. That commitment was turned into practical action through the Chair's charity lunch, support for her charities, including participation in the Oxford CEO Sleep Out. Councillor Walker had helped ensure that her year as Chair was not only ceremonial, but also deeply connected to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

In the chamber, Councillor Walker had chaired Council meetings with patience

courtesy and calm authority, including through some long and demanding business.

The Chair presented Councillor Walker with her past Chair’s badge and a gift as a token of appreciation for her term of office.

Councillor Walker addressed Council to reflect on what an extraordinary privilege it has been to hold the role of Chair.

One of the honours of serving as Chair had been the opportunity to see firsthand the remarkable range and depth of community and charity work taking place right across our district. This year had shown the extent of the generosity, energy and commitment of the people who make our communities stronger. Councillor Walker reported on having had the chance to see the dedication of our council teams commenting that so much important work happened quietly behind the scenes, often without recognition, but it made a real difference to people's lives every single day. Councillor Walker expressed her sincere thanks to all of those officers and staff who work so hard for our residents and communities.

A particularly meaningful part of this year had been working with her three chosen charities, the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement, Homelessness Oxfordshire, and Asylum Welcome, and gaining an insight into the amazing work they do in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our district. Their compassion, professionalism, and determination was truly inspiring.

Together with Councillors Lesley McLean and Chris Brant, Councillor Walker had participated in the Oxfordshire Homelessness Movement sponsored sleepout in University Parks and was proud to report that they had raised just under £2000. Councillor Walker thanked all who had contributed.

Councillor Walker referred to the many fundraising events, community gatherings and civic occasions she had attended during the year, it had been genuinely humbling to visit the level of commitment, goodwill and sheer hard work that goes on across our district. Councillor Walker referred to the privilege she felt taking part in events that honoured our shared history, traditions and ancient institutions, highlighting and commending the people who gave their time, their effort, and their compassion to others. These organisations and groups are incredibly important for our society, creating communities that are kinder, stronger and more connected and she was very proud and honoured to have been able to witness and participate in them during her time as Chair.

Councillor Walker thanked her fellow councillors, council officers, volunteers, charities, community groups and residents for the support, kindness and friendship shown to me throughout the year. Special thanks were extended to Shiraz Sheikh (Monitoring Officer), Tash Clark (Governance and Elections Manager) for their advice and guidance in meetings and in the wider context; to Alex Robinson (Executive Support Team Manager), for all her help, particularly at her charity; and to the Chair’s Personal Assistant, Nicola Ikincisoy, who had been incredibly supportive and competent throughout her term and presented her with flowers as a token of her appreciation.

Councillor Walker expressed gratitude to Councillor Simpson for ably supporting her as Vice Chair and for stepping in over the last month and wished him all the very best for his year in office.

Councillor Walker invited Jane Cranston, the Chair of Trustees of the Oxfordshire Homelessness Movement, Dr. Harry Reid of Asylum Welcome to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

It was proposed by Councillor McLean and seconded by Councillor Rogers,  that Councillor Lytton be appointed Vice-Chair of Cherwell District Council for the municipal year 2026/2027. There were no other nominations.

Resolved

(1)          That Councillor Simon Lytton be appointed Vice-Chair of Cherwell District Council for the Municipal Year 2026/2027.

Councillor Lytton, having made and signed the required Declaration of Acceptance of Office was invested with the Vice-Chair’s Chain.

Councillor Lytton addressed Council and thanked Members for his appointment.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of Council held on 16 March 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 March 2026 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Report of Monitoring Officer

Purpose of report

To note the results of the district elections held on 7 May 2026, to appoint the Leader of the Council and to consider the appointments and allocation of seats on Committees for municipal year 2026/2027 in accordance with the duty under Section 15 Local Government Housing Act 1989, to ensure that this reflects the political make-up of the Council following the elections. The political representation of members on committees needs to be considered on an annual basis.

Recommendations

Council resolves:

1.1         To note the results of the District elections held on 7 May 2026.

1.2         To note the constitution of Political Groups and notification of Group Leaders which has been notified in accordance with Regulation 8 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990.

1.3         To appoint the Leader of the Council.

1.4         To note the appointment of the Deputy Leader of the Council, the membership of the Executive and Executive portfolios for the municipal year 2026/2027.

1.5         To agree the allocation of seats on committees that are subject to the political balance requirements as set out in Appendix 2 (to follow).

1.6         To agree that the allocation of seats on the Licensing Acts Committee reflects the General Licensing Committee.

1.7         To appoint members (and where required, substitute members) to serve on each of the committees in accordance with the nominations made by political groups (Appendix 3 - to follow).

1.8         To appoint a non-Executive representative to the Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

1.9         To appoint a representative and named substitute to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

1.10      To appoint a representative and named substitute to the Police and Crime Commissioner Scrutiny Panel.

1.11      To appoint an Executive member representative and an Executive member substitute to the Oxfordshire Leaders Joint Committee.

1.12      That authority be delegated to the Monitoring Officer to make changes required to the Constitution as a result of the changes referred to in this report.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report for Council to note the results of the district elections held on 7 May 2026, to appoint the Leader of the Council and to consider the appointments and allocation of seats on Committees for municipal year 2026/2027 in accordance with the duty under Section 15 Local Government Housing Act 1989, to ensure that this reflects the political make-up of the Council following the elections. The political representation of members on committees needed to be considered on an annual basis.

The Chair referred to recommendation 1.3, which related to the Leader of the Councillor. The Chair advised that Councillor Hingley had notified the Proper Officer that he wished to resign as Leader of the Council and invited Councillor Hingley to address Council.

Councillor Hingley addressed Council and tendered his resignation as Leader of the Council. Councillor Hingley said it had been an honour to be Leader of the Council for two years, serving as the first ever Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council. Having personally made the decision to step down, he was confident that the council would continue to go from strength to strength. Councillor Hingley thanked Liberal Democrat group members, members of the Green Party for joining with the Liberal Democrat in the administration, all members of the Executive and all Group Leaders during his tenure as Leader and paid tribute to all councillors for their constructive engagement, dedication and commitment to their wards. Councillor Hingley also thanked and paid tribute to all council officers and staff and gave particular thanks to the Leader’s PA, Donna Dow, for her brilliant support.  

On behalf of Council, the Chair thanked Councillor Hingley for his diligent service as Leader over the past two years.

Councillor McLean, Councillor Middleton, Councillor Reeves and Councillor Biegel paid tribute to Councillor Hingley and thanked him for his service as Leader.

Councillor Hingley having resigned, it was necessary for Council to appoint a leader. It was proposed by Councillor Hingley and seconded by Councillor Brant that Councillor McLean be appointed Leader of Cherwell District Council.

There being no further nominations, Councillor McLean was duly appointed Leader of the Council.

The Chair invited the Leader to report on her Deputy Leader, Executive members and Portfolio Holder allocations for 2026/2027. The Leader advised Councillor Chris Brant was her Deputy leader and Portfolio Holders as follows:

·         Councillor Lesley McLean: Leader – Strategic Leadership and Regeneration

·         Councillor Chris Brant: Deputy Leader – Planning and Enforcement

·         Councillor Nicola Borkmann: Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services

·         Councillor David Hingley: Portfolio Holder for Finance

·         Councillor Frank Ideh: Portfolio Holder for Law and Governance

·         Councillor Ian Middleton: Portfolio Holder for Housing and Greener Communities

·         Councillor Rob Pattenden: Portfolio Holder for Property and Assets

·         Councillor Alisa Russell: Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services

·         Councillor Lisa Smith: Portfolio Holder for Leisure

The Chair led Council through the remaining recommendations and invited the Leader to advise of nominations to outside bodies as set out in the resolutions.

Resolved

(1)          That the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Report of Assistant Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)

Purpose of report

This report presents the annual report of the Accounts, Audit and Risk Committee for the municipal year 2025/26. It has been prepared to enable the committee to demonstrate to Council how it has fulfilled its terms of reference.

Recommendations

Council resolves:

1.1         To note the annual report of the Accounts, Audit and Risk Committee for the municipal year 2025/26.

The Assistant Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) submitted a report which presented the annual report of the Accounts, Audit and Risk Committee for the municipal year 2025/2026. It had been prepared to enable the committee to demonstrate to Council how it has fulfilled its terms of reference.

Resolved

(1)          That the Annual Report of the Accounts, Audit & Risk Committee for the municipal year 2025/2026 be noted.

Report of Assistant Director Law & Governance / Monitoring Officer

Purpose of report

For Council to consider and note the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report for 2025-26.

Recommendations

Council resolves:

1.1         To note the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report for 2025/2026.

The Assistant Director Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report for Council to consider and note the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report for 2025/2026.

Resolved

(1)          That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report for 2025/2026 be noted.

The Chair to advise whether they have agreed to any item of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.