Two chairs under one roof

The Michell house will be waking up with two chairmen this morning, as Cllr Sara Michell was elected the new chairman of Mid Suffolk District Council at the Council’s annual AGM meeting last night (Thursday 21 May 2009).  Cllr Michell’s husband, Charles, is currently the chairman of Suffolk County Council.

Cllr Sara Michell, who was the Portfolio Holder for Housing, takes over from Cllr Poppy Robinson who has been the chairman of the Council since May 2008.

Before handing the role over to Cllr Sara Michell, Cllr Poppy Robinson said: “It has been a wonderful year and I have really enjoyed representing Mid Suffolk District Council, as they have achieved so much. I would like to thank officers, staff and members for their support and hard work. I wish Sara all the best and hopes that she will enjoy her role as much as I did.”

Cllr Sara Michell, said: “It is a great honour to have been elected to the office as Chairman. I shall do all I can to represent the District Council in the style and quality we have become accustomed to during Poppy’s term of office. She has given me a great challenge and I will have a lot to live up to this year. I look forward to a stimulating and fulfilling year serving this Council.”

Cllr Robinson raised funds for two charities during her year as Chairman, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Stowmarket Museum of East Anglian Life.  In total, £2,129.95 was raised for the two charities.

Cllr Michell has chosen HomeStart-Mid Suffolk and Mid Suffolk CAB as the charities she will be supporting for the next year.

At the meeting last night, it was also confirmed that Councillor Marilyn Curran will become the new Portfolio Holder for Housing. The other six Portfolio Holders remain unchanged.

-ENDS-

Media contact:

Vicky Smy, Senior Communications Officer, telephone: 01449 724850, email: vicky.smy@midsuffolk.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

  1. Cllr Stuart Gemmill become the new vice-chairman