The meeting was opened by an address from the Reverend Perter Williamson, allowing time for personal reflection.

Apologies for absence were received from the outgoing Vice-Chairwoman, Jane Barnby, and from Councillors Mills and John Thomas.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 23 April 2019.

The Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 23 April 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To elect the Civic Mayor for the ensuing Municipal Year. 

(Note:  Members of the Cabinet are not permitted to be the Civic Mayor.)

Councillor Steve Darling proposed and Councillor Cowell seconded a motion, which was agreed (unanimously) by the Council as follows:

That Councillor Margaret Douglas-Dunbar be elected The Worshipful The Mayor of Torbay for the Municipal Year 2019/2020.

(The Civic Mayor, Councillor Douglas-Dunbar, in the Chair)

The Civic Mayor took the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Oath of Allegiance and thanked the Council for the honour bestowed upon her.

The Civic Mayor also announced that Councillor Carter would be her Escort during her term of office and her charities would be Torquay Museum and RNLI Brixham.  The Civic Mayor advised that she had appointed Reverend Nicholas Pearkes to be her Chaplain.

Councillor Carter proposed and Councillor Ellery seconded a motion, which was agreed (unaminously) by the Council as set out below:

That the Council express its sincere thanks and appreciation to Councillor Doggett and his Escort for the manner in which they have carried out their duties during their term of office.

To elect the Deputy Civic Mayor for the ensuing Municipal Year. 

(Note:  Members of the Cabinet are not permitted to be the Deputy Civic Mayor.)

Councillor Amil proposed and Councillor Long seconded a motion, which was agreed (unanimously) by the Council as follows:

That Councillor Terry Manning be elected The Deputy Civic Mayor for the Municipal Year 2019/2020.

The Deputy Civic Mayor of the Council took the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and thanked the Council for the honour bestowed upon him.

The Deputy Civic Mayor also announced that Councillor Brown would be his Escort during his term of office.

To elect the Leader of the Council for a four year term until May 2023.

Councillor Cowell proposed and Councillor Carter seconded a motion, which was agreed (unanimously) by the Council as follows:

That Councillor Steve Darling be elected Leader of the Council.

Councillor Steve Darling thanked the Council for the honour bestowed upon him and welcomed the opportunity for the Council to work in partnership to deliver a clear vision for our community in order to turn the tide of poverty.

To consider adjourning the meeting until 5.30 pm on Tuesday, 28 May 2019 to deal with the remainder of the business set out in the separate agenda.

At this juncture the meeting was adjourned until 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday 28 May 2019.