Apologies for absence were received from Councillors F Evans and D Nelson.

There were no declarations of interest at this meeting.

The Worshipful the Mayor welcomed to the meeting newly elected and returned Councillors who were elected at the Local Elections on 4^th May 2023.

On the nomination of Councillor Nigel Folkard, seconded by Councillor James Courtenay and with the unanimous support of the Council:

Resolved:

That Councillor Stephen Habermel be appointed to the Office of Mayor of the City of Southend-on-Sea for the Municipal Year 2023/24.

The Worshipful the Mayor announced that he will be supported by Rev Claire Abraham during his year of office.

The Worshipful the Mayor announced that the Mayoral Charties for his year of office would be Havens Hospice and the Music Man Project.

Councillor Stephen George proposed and Councillor Aston Line seconded the motion having been supported by other speakers, it was unanimously:

Resolved:

That the best thanks of the Council be tendered to Councillor Kevin Robinson for the efficient and dignified manner in which he has performed the duties of the Office of Mayor during the past year, and for the ability and courtesy with which he has presided over the deliberations of this Council, and that as a token of the Council’s appreciation of such service he be presented with a Past Mayor’s Badge suitably inscribed and a Mayoral Album.

On the nomination of Councillor Tricia Cowdrey, seconded by Councillor Mike Stafford, and with the unanimous support of the Council:

Resolved:

That Councillor Ron Woodley be appointed to the Office of Deputy Mayor of the City of Southend-on-Sea for the Municipal Year 2023/24.