Tendring District Council (TDC) has elected a new chairman for the next year following the authority’s annual meeting.
On Tuesday, April 26, the full council elected Peter Harris – a Conservative who represents Weeley and Tendring – as its chairman. He'd been vice-chairman for the past year and replaces outgoing chairman Jeff Bray. Conservative councillor Val Guglielmi – who represents Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley – was elected vice-chairman.
As well as presiding over full council meetings, the chairman of the council has a ceremonial role and represents the council and district at civic events.
Cllr Bray thanked members for their support during his time in office, during which time he raised almost £3,000 for local good causes. Cllr Harris announced his chosen charities would be the RNLI and veterans’ groups, including the Veterans’ Breakfast Club, UK Homes 4 Heroes and the Royal British Legion.
He told councillors: “I am humbled and grateful for this honour bestowed upon me. My focus for the year will be recognition and promotion of our fantastic volunteers who do wonderful work, in particular road and water safety, alongside those charities which are close to my heart."