New chairman steps up despite concerns over ‘compromised’ responsibilities

Councillor will be chairman of SMDC – as well as heading up the planning committee

A CAVERSWALL man has taken on the role as chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

At last week’s annual general meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Councillor Paul Roberts, right, was elected the chairman of the authority for 2021/2022.

He replaces the retiring chairman, Councillor Keith Flunder.

Councillor Roberts is also the chairman of the council’s planning applications committee.

Speaking at the meeting Mr Flunder, right, said: “I would like to thank my family for the last two years. I would also like to thank the Rev Nigel Irons, the development services, the drivers, the council leader and cabinet members.

“Thanks also to councillors for attending my events. We have had to find new ways of doing events during the last year.”

Councillor Tony Holmes, who represents the Forsbrook ward, was elected vice chairman for the forthcoming year of office.

However, on the election of chairman for the various committee roles, Councillor Linda Malyon, who is leader of the Independent group on the council, proposed that Councillor Peter Wilkinson took on the role of chairman of the planning committee.

Mrs Malyon said: “As chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council the position of also being chairman of the planning committee could be compromised. “I propose Councillor Peter Wilkinson takes on the role as the chairman of the planning committee.”

In reply, the leader of the Conservative-run council, Sybil Ralphs, said: “The group have decided that Councillor Roberts can continue. If there was any danger of being compromised the deputy chairman could take over.” On a vote members voted to elect Councillor Roberts as chairman of the planning committee.