Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council
Contents
Role of the Chairman
The Chairman has several ceremonial and civic duties, these include:
- being the politically impartial ceremonial head of West Northamptonshire Council
- promoting the services and objectives of West Northamptonshire Council and the area it serves
- acting as an ambassador for West Northamptonshire Council and the local area
- carrying out ceremonial, civic and community activities that foster community identity and pride and allow our communities to Thrive
Other key responsibilities include:
- presiding over meetings of the full council to ensure they are run effectively and in line with our Constitution
- inviting key individuals and representatives to events organised and hosted by the council
- accepting invitations on behalf of the council to attend events
The civic structure
The HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire is the King’s representative in the county, and alongside the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, leads the civic structure in Northamptonshire.
The Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council oversees the civic structure in the West Northamptonshire area, with the Mayors of Brackley, Daventry, Northampton and Towcester heading up each of their respective town’s parish councils.
History of the role
The role of the Chairman dates back to 1889, when the 5th Earl Spencer, known as the ‘Red Earl’, became the first Chairman of the newly elected Northamptonshire County Council. He served in this role for three years and established the pattern of the Vice-Chairman succeeding to the role of Chairman, creating a workable system of member administration and a balance of party interests.
(Information adapted from ‘A History of Northamptonshire County Council’ by Jonathan Bradbury)
Last updated 27 November 2024