Date published: 2024-05-22 | Category: Delivering for local residents
Councillor Karen Walker is the new Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Councillor Walker was first elected nine years ago and represents the Peasedown St John ward on Bath & North East Somerset Council. She was elected to the role of Chair of the Council at the Annual Meeting of the Council on Thursday May 16.
It is the second time Councillor Walker has been appointed to the role.
The responsibilities of the Chair include chairing council meetings, leading Citizenship Ceremonies, chairing Parish Liaison meetings, sharing commemorative events, such as Remembrance Sunday, supporting Armed Forces Week, and assisting veterans through the ‘military covenant’, celebrating community landmark events, welcoming royal visitors, members of the government and civic dignitaries.
Councillor Walker said: “I want to thank my fellow councillors for putting their faith in me to become the next Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council. I particularly want to thank Councillor Gavin Heathcote for nominating me, and Councillor Kevin Guy for seconding the recommendation. I’m hugely honoured to have been elected to this position, a second time in my nine years as councillor.
“Since I first started to get involved in my own community all those years ago, I’ve passionately believed in ensuring everyone has the same opportunities, and the same chances in life. It’s because of this that my theme for the year will be ‘Inclusion for all, living life to the full’. Inclusion for all because all people, regardless of their gender, faith or nationality, are welcome here in Bath & North East Somerset. Living life to the full because people of all ages should feel they can get involved with their local communities and activities, and not feel isolated. Finally it’s been a great pleasure as last year’s Vice Chair to support Councillor Sarah Moore in her role as Chair of Council from 2023 to 20204.”
The new vice-chair of the council is Councillor Liz Hardman who has represented Paulton ward since becoming a councillor in 2011.
Councillor Hardman said: “I want to thank fellow councillors for their confidence in me and will support the new chair in the execution of her duties serving the people of Bath and North East Somerset.”
Ends
Pictured left to right are Councillor Sarah Moore, Councillor Karen Walker, and Councillor Liz Hardman.