COUNCILLOR Chris Bryant has become the new Town Mayor and Chair, following a Hailsham Town Council meeting last night (28th May).
He replaces popular ex-Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook, who held the prestigious role for six years. Mr Holbrook announced at the meeting that he has been undergoing cancer treatment for the last six months, but now has the all-clear from doctors.
During his retiring speech, Councillor Holbrook thanked his staff and fellow councillors for their support over the years, and expressed special thanks to his wife, Councillor Barbara Holbrook, who has been ‘incredibly supportive’ throughout his time as Mayor, and especially during his treatment.
There was a vote amongst the town councillors to elect the next Mayor and Chairman. Those standing were Councillor Paul Holbrook, Councillor Anne Blake-Coggins and Councillor Chris Bryant.
In the first round of voting, Mr Holbrook received the fewest votes, which left Councillor Blake-Coggins and Councillor Bryant in the running for the role, in which Bryant took the majority.
Chris Bryant is a Conservative councillor representing the Magham Down ward on the Town Council. He was elected in 2019.
Councillor Colin Mitchell was elected Deputy Mayor and Vice Chair at the meeting. Mr Mitchell is an Independent councillor representing the Hailsham North Ward.
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