To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, the Executive or the Head of Paid Service.
Minutes:
Councillor Sue Ellington, Chairman, reported with regret that this would be Jean Hunter’s last meeting of Council as Chief Executive following her decision to leave the authority. Councillor Ellington said that she had really enjoyed working with Mrs Hunter and invited other Members of the Council to say a few words.
Councillor Peter Topping, Leader of the Council, paid tribute to the welcoming, transparent and professional nature of Mrs Hunter, characteristics which he said had shone through in her time as this Council’s Chief Executive. He reflected on his recent opportunity in his role as Leader to work closely with Mrs Hunter and had seen the esteem to which senior members of the civil service held for her. Councillor Topping added that it was not just the Council that owed a debt of gratitude to her, but also residents and other groups of people who had been influenced by her judgement and determination. He gave his personal thanks to Mrs Hunter for everything she had done as Chief Executive.
Councillor Ray Manning, former Leader of the Council, said that in his time as a Councillor he had never known a better Chief Executive, someone who he said had shown him in particular great patience and understanding. He thought that South Cambridgeshire was a better place for Jean Hunter having taken up the Chief Executive role in 2010 and helping the Council improve, with the Council running extremely well and efficiently as a result. He was sad to see Mrs Hunter leave and gave his personal thanks to her, stating that he had really enjoyed working with her which he said was both a pleasure and inspiration.
Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of the Opposition, reflected on the appointment process for the vacant Chief Executive position in 2010 and said that Jean Hunter was far superior to any other applicant at that time, adding that she had fulfilled and exceeded all expectations. Councillor Smith highlighted in particular that it was nice to have had a woman as the Council’s Chief Executive, stating that only 24% of local authority Chief Executives in the country were women. She paid tribute to Mrs Hunter, saying that she never lost her cool, even at times when her patience must have been significantly tested. Councillor Smith made the point that Mrs Hunter had steered the Council through some very troubled times, citing significant austerity measures in particular as an example. She thanked Mrs Hunter for her hard work and efforts in her time as Chief Executive and said she would miss her humour and friendship.
Councillor Douglas de Lacey, convenor of the Independent Group, recalled Jean Hunter coming to meet him in his village of Girton when she was first appointed as Chief Executive, as she was keen to discuss with him as local Member any of his concerns relating to his ward. He praised this approach and added that he and his group had always had help and support from Mrs Hunter. Councillor de Lacey said that the Chief Executive position was an enormous challenge, but under her leadership the Council ran very steadily which he said was an indication of how much she would be missed.
Councillor Nigel Cathcart said that Jean Hunter had demonstrated the right balance of openness, caution, judgement and experience, and a real ability to listen to the views of Members. Councillor Cathcart said that Mrs Hunter had also visited him in Bassingbourn and had recognised that all villages were different, demonstrating an early understanding of the requirements of this district.
All Members gave Jean Hunter a round of applause.
Councillor Peter Topping welcomed Councillor Nick Wright to Cabinet as Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Customer Services. He paid tribute to Councillor Mick Martin for the excellent work he had done whilst on Cabinet, especially the transition of the Joint Waste Service in his time as Portfolio Holder for Waste and Environmental Services, which he said he had dealt with admirably.