Minutes:
The Chairman paid tribute to the services of Councillor Blakey during her term of office and presented a Past Chairman’s Badge to Councillor Blakey incorporating the Council’s Coat of Arms, as a token of the Council’s appreciation of her services during her period of office. The Chairman also paid tribute to Councillor Blakey’s husband and consort, Alan, who had continued in his role despite a health issue and wished him well in his continued recovery.
Further tributes to Councillor Blakey’s ambassadorial service, the diligent, exceptional, professional and dignified way she had conducted herself during her term of office both locally, regionally, nationally and internationally were given by Councillor Henig (Leader of the Labour Group), Councillor Hopgood (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group), Councillor R Bell (Leader of the Conservative Group) and Councillor P May (on behalf of the Durham Independent Group).
In response, Councillor Blakey thanked both the incoming Chairman and all Councillors for the presentation and expressed her appreciation to all who had supported and assisted her during the year. Councillor Blakey thanked Councillor Bell for his support as Vice-Chairman throughout the year and expressed her sadness at the death of Councillor Robin Todd soon after his election as Vice-Chairman last year. Councillor Blakey offered her congratulations to Councillor Bell and his consort and wished him well for his year in office. Finally, Councillor Blakey thanked her husband and consort, Alan, for his unwavering support throughout the year.
The Chairman then presented Mr Blakey with a gift in appreciation of his efforts in supporting Councillor Blakey during her term of office.