Cllr Fleming proposed and Cllr Dickins seconded that Cllr John Edwards-Winser be elected Chairman of the Council for the next municipal year.

Resolved: That Cllr John Edwards-Winser be elected Chairman of the Council for the municipal year, 2019/20.

Cllr. Edwards-Winser made the declaration of acceptance of office and took the chair.  The new Chairman thanked the Council for his election and expressed his appreciation for the many good wishes he had received. 

The new Chairman led the Council in expressing sincere thanks to the outgoing Chairman, Mrs Pat Bosley, for her service to the Council and to the District and to Mr Ian Bosley, in her role as Chairman’s Consort. They were also jointly thanked for their dedicated service as local councillors over the years.  Members expressed their appreciation.  The new Chairman presented the past Chairman’s badge, shield and gifts to Mrs Bosley, and a gift to Mr Bosley.

In response to the thanks expressed, Pat Bosley thanked Cllr Edwards-Winser for his support as her Vice Chairman, and offered particular thanks to her husband.

Cllr. Edwards-Winser announced that his Consort for the year would be his wife, Mrs Frances Edwards-Winser and presented her with the badge of office and flowers.  He announced that Reverend Anne Bourne, Parish of St Lukes, would be his Chaplain and invested her with the Chaplain’s cross.

Cllr Fleming proposed and Cllr Dickins seconded that Cllr Diana Esler be elected Vice Chairman of the Council for the ensuing municipal year.

Resolved: That Cllr Esler be appointed Vice Chairman of the Council for the municipal year, 2019/20.

Cllr Esler made the declaration of acceptance of office and expressed her thanks to the Council for her appointment.

The Chairman moved that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 30 April 2019 be approved and signed as a correct record.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 30 April 2019 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

There were no additional declarations of interest.

The Chairman announced that his Charity for the year would be Demelza.  He advised that Demelza provided specialist care and support for children with terminal conditions as well as emotional support for their families, so that they could enjoy what little time they had left together as a unit.  They cared for children with a range of conditions – some of which were so rare and complicated they had no name.  Every year the organisation provided a lifeline to over 750 children and their families throughout Kent, South East London and East Sussex. It cost over £12M to run and they were almost entirely dependent on the generosity of their volunteer workers and fund raisers.  He hoped to raise funds by organising several social events.

Resolved:  That the Returning Officer’s report be noted.

Cllr Dickins proposed and Cllr Dyball seconded that Cllr Fleming be elected Leader of the Council for the next four years.

Resolved: That Cllr Fleming be elected Leader of the Council for the next four years.

Resolved: That the delegations of executive functions and appointments to the Cabinet, be noted.

Cllr Fleming proposed and Cllr Dickins seconded that the delegations to Committees and Officers, and delegations of executive functions by the Leader of the Council be agreed.

Resolved: That the delegations to Committees (Parts 3 – 12 of the Constitution) and the delegations to Officers (Part 13 of the Constitution) be agreed.

Cllr Fleming moved, and Cllr Dickins seconded and it was unanimously

Resolved:  That

a)   the political balance of the Council be noted as: 46 Conservative; 3 Liberal Democrat; 2 Hextable Independent; 1 Labour; 1 Independent; and 1 no party description;

b)   the following political groupings be noted: 46 Conservative Group; 3 Liberal Democrats Group; 3 Sevenoaks Independent Group, leaving 2 ungrouped; and

c)   the allocation of seats as set out in the Appendix to the report be agreed.

Cllr Fleming proposed and Cllr Dickins seconded that the appointments of Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Membership of Committees for the municipal year 2018/19 as detailed in the appendix to the report, be approved.

Resolved: That the appointments of Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and membership of Committees for 2019/20, be approved.

Cllr Fleming moved and Cllr Dickins seconded that the amended calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2019/20, be confirmed. 

Resolved:  That the amended Calendar of ordinary meetings for the municipal year 2019/20 be confirmed.

Cllr Fleming moved and Cllr Dickins seconded that the appointment of representatives on outside organisations for the municipal year 2019/20 be agreed.

Resolved:  That the appointments to other organisations for the municipal year 2019/20 be confirmed.

The report was noted.