Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair of the Council for the ensuing Municipal Year.

The meeting and Election of the Chair was undertaken by the outgoing Chair of the Council former Councillor D B Dew.

Councillor R Martin proposed and Councillor M L Beuttell seconded the nomination of Councillor D N Keane as Chair of the Council for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Councillor L Davenport-Ray proposed and Councillor S J Conboy seconded the nomination of Councillor S W Ferguson as Chair of the Council for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Upon opening the floor for debate, Councillor R Ioannides stated that he opposed the appointment of Councillor Ferguson as Chair of the Council. He drew attention to the recent election results both locally and nationally and in particular the number of seats to which Reform UK had been elected. Councillor Ioannides indicated that the proposal did not represent the right democratic balance of the Council as the Green Party made up 4% of the Council, and that voters had other expectations. He went on to express the view that there was no longer a separation between local and national politics and that national politics mattered locally because it shaped how local politicians thought. It shaped what they prioritised, how they spent money, what they taxed, what they built, what they blocked and what they forced onto ordinary residents. Councillor Ioannides said that the traditional parties stood apart from the public, and worked together to maintain the status quo, but that those parties had failed.

At this point in the meeting Councillor Davenport-Ray called a Point of Order and proposed that the question be now put. Councillor J E Harvey seconded the proposal. On being put to the vote the proposal was declared to be CARRIED.

A proposal to elect Councillor D Keane as Chair of the Council, having already moved and seconded, was put to the vote upon which the proposal was declared to be LOST.

A proposal to elect Councillor S Ferguson as Chair of the Council, having already been moved and seconded, and upon being put to the vote it was further

RESOLVED

that Councillor S Ferguson be elected Chair of the Council for the ensuing Municipal Year.

Councillor Ferguson made the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 25th February 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 25th February 2026  were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, other registerable and non-registerable interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

No declarations were received.

To appoint a Vice-Chair of the Council for the ensuing Municipal Year.

Councillor S Conboy proposed and Councillor L Davenport-Ray seconded the nomination of Councillor M J Burke as Vice-Chair of the Council for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Councillor M L Beuttell proposed and Councillor J Neish seconded the nomination of Councillor C A Lowe as Vice-Chair of the Council for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the proposal to appoint Councillor M J Burke as Vice-Chair was put to the vote upon which the vote was declared to be TIED.

Upon the Chair’s casting vote, it was

RESOLVED

that Councillor M J Burke be appointed Vice-Chair of the Council for the ensuing Municipal Year.

Councillor Burke made the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

To receive a report by the Returning Officer summarising the results of the District Council elections held on 7th May 2026.

The report of the Elections and Democratic Services Manager with regard to the District Council elections held on 7th May 2026 detailing persons elected to the Office of District Councillor was received and noted (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book).

Councillor S J Conboy thanked the Officers involved for their dedication in providing another smooth election process. These sentiments were echoed by Councillor Martin who commented on the professionalism of the Elections Team and in particular noted the efficiency of the postal vote opening processes. He further paid tribute to departing Members including former Councillors S Criswell, E Butler, K Gulson, J Clarke, A Jennings, A Costello and R Brereton and noted the expertise and longevity lost due to their departure. Councillor Ferguson concluded the item by giving his thanks to the Democratic Services and Elections Teams.

To elect the Executive Leader of the Council.

(NB: The Executive Leader is elected by the Council from among its membership for a four year term or until the Member’s term of office comes to an end as a Councillor, he/she resigns from office or he/she is removed from office by the Council).

Councillor J E Kerr proposed and Councillor L Davenport-Ray seconded the nomination of Councillor S J Conboy as Executive Leader of the Council for the ensuing term of office of all District Councillors on the District Council.

Councillor M Beuttell proposed and Councillor J Gray seconded the nomination of Councillor R Martin as Executive Leader of the Council for the ensuing term of office of all District Councillors on the District Council.

In opening the debate, Councillor J A Gray congratulated the Chair on his appointment. In supporting the nomination of Councillor Martin, he noted that change was needed from the joint administration to create a greater and stronger collaboration concluding that a Cabinet should reflect the electorate.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the proposal to elect Councillor S J Conboy and upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED

that Councillor S J Conboy be elected Executive Leader of the Council for the ensuing term of office of all District Councillors on the District Council.

The Executive Leader to announce the names of

a)  a maximum of nine Councillors who shall be Members of the Cabinet; and

b)  a Deputy Executive Leader who shall be a Member of the Cabinet.

(NB: The Deputy Executive Leader is appointed by the Executive Leader until the end of the term of office of the Executive Leader, they resign from the office or they are removed from office by the Executive Leader)

The Executive Leader, Councillor S J Conboy, noting that she had not exercised her right to reply on her election to Executive Leader stated that she would work across the Chamber and was appreciative of the passion of Members for Huntingdonshire, observing that there should be more to unite members than to divide them. She further noted that she had not expressed a view publicly on who she would work with because she hoped that the Chamber would work together for the greater good of Huntingdonshire and its residents. 

It was furthermore announced that she had appointed Councillors L Davenport-Ray, L Dewey-Beckett, J E Harvey, N J Hunt, J E Kerr, B A Mickelburgh, D L Mickelburgh and T D Sanderson to join her as Members of the Cabinet for the remainder of the Municipal Year. She also announced that Councillor B A Mickelburgh would be appointed the Deputy Executive Leader and Vice-Chair of the Cabinet.

To consider a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager on the representation of political groups on Committees and Panels in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the District Council’s Constitution

A report was submitted by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) relating to the principles and proportionality to be applied to the appointment of Committees and Panels in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Part II of the Local Government Act 2000.

Councillor Martin stated that the Conservatives would not be supporting the report and expressed concern about the validity of the document as issues had been noted with the report previously brought to the Council’s meeting in February 2026. The Council’s Interim Legal Adviser, Mr L Sebastian, addressed the Chamber with assurance that the issue in relation to the previous report had been addressed.

Whereupon, having been duly proposed and seconded, it was

RESOLVED

that the allocation of seats on District Council Committees and Panels to political groups and non-aligned Members be determined as set out in the report now submitted.

To appoint to:

  i.  Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth)  12 Members

  ii.  Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) 12 Members

RESOLVED

that the following Members be appointed to the Overview and Scrutiny Panels for the ensuing Municipal Year.

To appoint to:

RESOLVED

(a) that Members be appointed to serve on the Corporate Governance, Development Management, Employment, Licensing and Protection, Licensing, Senior Officers Committees and Appeals Sub-Group for the ensuing Municipal Year as follows:-

Corporate Governance Committee (7)

Councillors S Claffey, R Coogan, J A Gray, P J Hodgson-Jones, G Seeff, H Tobias and M Young.

Development Management Committee (16)

Councillors L Davenport-Ray, P Gammons, J A Gray, S Hodgson-Jones, A Hunt, J Hunt, R Ioannides, D N Keane, J E Kerr, D McIlwain, D L Mickelburgh, J Neish, T D Sanderson, G Seeff, M Simpson and W Smith and this includes the Executive Councillor Member with appropriate portfolio responsibilities in an ex officio capacity.

Employment Committee (8)

Councillors L Ascroft, A Blackwell, L Dewey-Beckett, J Francis, D Henly, D McIlwain, P Simpson and S Smith and includes the Executive Councillor Member with appropriate portfolio responsibilities in an ex officio capacity.

Licensing and Protection Committee (12)

Councillors M L Beuttell, S W Ferguson, I D Gardener, M A Hassall, S Hodgson-Jones, A Hunt, J Hunt, N J Hunt, K Maheshwari, T Nelson, N Sarkies and N Wells and includes the Executive Councillor Member with appropriate portfolio responsibilities in an ex officio capacity.

Licensing Committee (12)

Councillors M L Beuttell, S W Ferguson, I D Gardener, M A Hassall, S Hodgson-Jones, A Hunt, J Hunt, N J Hunt, K Maheshwari, T Nelson, N Sarkies and N Wells and includes the Executive Councillor Member with appropriate portfolio responsibilities in an ex officio capacity.

Senior Officers Committee (4)

Councillors S J Conboy, R Coogan, R Martin and B A Mickelburgh.

Appeals Sub-Group (15)

That the following Members be nominated from which the Elections and Democratic Services Manager be authorised when necessary, to convene a meeting of the Appeals Sub-Group to include up to five Members (excluding Members of the Employment Committee) to determine appeals under the Council’s disciplinary and appeals procedures –

Councillors M L Beuttell, S W Ferguson, I D Gardener, S Hodgson-Jones, C Innes, C Lowe, K Maheshwari, S Mokbul, N Sarkies, G Seeff, M Simpson, H Tobias, N Wells, A Wood and M Young.

To appoint seven Members to a Constitution Review Working Group. The Review Working Group will report to the Corporate Governance Committee.

RESOLVED

that the following Members be appointed to the Constitution Review Working Group for the ensuing Municipal Year.

Councillors M Burke, R Coogan, L Dewey-Beckett, J E Harvey, M Hassall, P J Hodgson-Jones, R Martin and H Tobias

To appoint/nominate members to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combine Authority for the municipal year 2026/27.

With the assistance of a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Council were invited to make appointments/ nominations to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

Having noted the report, it was

RESOLVED

(a) that Councillor S J Conboy, Executive Leader of Council be appointed to act as the Council's appointee to the Combined Authority and Councillor B A Mickelburgh be appointed as the substitute member;

(b) that Councillors J Neish and J E Harvey be nominated to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with Councillors P J Hodgson-Jones and L Dewey-Beckett nominated as substitutes in accordance with Appendix 1 (one from the Conservative and one from the Liberal Democrat party);

(c) that Councillor P J Hodgson-Jones be nominated to the Audit and Governance Committee, with Councillor D McIlwain as the substitute member from the Conservative party as indicated in Appendix 2; and

(d) that the Chief Executive be authorised to make any amendments to the appointments to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit and Governance Committee in consultation with the Political Group Leaders, should the political balance be amended by the Combined Authority between now and the next Council meeting.

To consider the Scheme of Delegation as set out in the Constitution.

It was stated that the Chair in post when this item was added to the Agenda agreed to this item being added to the Agenda after the Agenda's publication as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances. Those special circumstances being that Officers were alerted by a Member, following publication of the Agenda, that this item is stated in the Constitution at Rule 2.2(x) of the Council Procedure Rules as being a matter that will be considered at the Annual Council meeting, and had been omitted. The urgent inclusion of this item is necessary to maintain compliance with the Constitution.

The Chair noted that no amendments to the Scheme of Delegation were proposed

Councillor Martin addressed the Chamber and stated that the Conservatives were in support of the recommendation and requested that the Joint Administration continue their work to update the Constitution. Councillor P Hodgson-Jones echoed those sentiments and observed that more work needed to be undertaken to ensure the Constitution be fit for purpose with the impending changes that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) would bring.

Whereupon, having been duly proposed and seconded, it was

RESOLVED

that the Council agree the Scheme of Delegation as currently set out in the Constitution.

To approve the Programme of Ordinary Meetings of the Council for 2026/27.

It was stated that the Chair in post when this item was added to the Agenda agreed to this item being added to the Agenda after the Agenda's publication as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances. Those special circumstances being that Officers were alerted by a Member, following publication of the Agenda, that this item is stated in the Constitution at Rule 2.2(xi) of the Council Procedure Rules as being a matter that will be considered at the Annual Council meeting, and had been omitted. The urgent inclusion of this item is necessary to maintain compliance with the Constitution.

Having considered the Programme of Ordinary Meetings of the Council for 2026/27 (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), and it having been duly proposed and seconded, it was

RESOLVED

that the Programme of Ordinary Meetings of the Council for 2026/27 be approved.

Motion from Councillor R Martin.

This Council Notes:

• The recent local elections held on 7 May 2026, which have returned a new mandate from the residents of Huntingdonshire.
• The ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and that the government consultation has ended regarding the future of single-tier unitary councils in the region.
• That on 24 November 2025, the previous Cabinet approved the submission of Option E to the government.
• That Option E proposes the creation of three new unitary councils, specifically establishing Huntingdonshire as a standalone unitary authority, while considering the future of Tempsford New Town.
• That competing proposals submitted by other authorities—most notably Option D—threaten to fracture Huntingdonshire.

This Council Believes:

• That a standalone Huntingdonshire authority (Option E) remains the most robust, evidence-led, and financially sustainable model to replace the current two-tier system, bringing decision-making closer to our communities.
• Options A and B, while keeping Huntingdonshire in one piece, do not represent the best options for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and would risk the potential of Project FAIRFAX and Tempsford to support future growth.
• That Huntingdonshire possesses a distinct heritage, a strong community identity, and recognised economic boundaries that must not be diluted or divided.
• That our district is a regional engine for growth—serving as an emerging international defence powerhouse and a key strategic hub within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. Fragmenting the district would risk stalling this vital economic growth.
• That smaller, more locally focused councils are best equipped to deliver efficient public services and strengthen the crucial focus on community health and prevention.

This Council Resolves:

1. To formally reaffirm its unwavering support for Option E as the best choice for Local Government Reorganisation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
2. To reject splitting Huntingdonshire boundaries and categorically oppose any LGR proposals, including Option D, that seek to carve up Huntingdonshire’s historic and administrative boundaries.
3. To instruct the Chief Executive, in consultation with Group Leaders to write immediately to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution and our local MPs, outlining this newly elected Council's reaffirmed mandate for Option E as the government deliberates its consultation findings.

This Council Notes:

1. The recent local elections held on 7 May 2026, which have returned a new mandate from the residents of Huntingdonshire.
2. The ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and that the government consultation has ended regarding the future of single-tier unitary councils in the region.
3. That on 24 November 2025, the previous Cabinet approved the submission of Option E to the government.
4. That Option E proposes the creation of three new unitary councils, specifically establishing Huntingdonshire as a standalone unitary authority, while considering the future of Tempsford New Town.
5. That competing proposals submitted by other authorities—most notably Option D—threaten to fracture Huntingdonshire.

This Council Believes:

1. That a standalone Huntingdonshire authority (Option E) remains the most robust, evidence-led, and financially sustainable model to replace the current two-tier system, bringing decision-making closer to our communities.
2. Options A and B, while keeping Huntingdonshire in one piece, do not represent the best options for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and would risk the potential of Project FAIRFAX and Tempsford to support future growth.
3. That Huntingdonshire possesses a distinct heritage, a strong community identity, and recognised economic boundaries that must not be diluted or divided.
4. That our district is a regional engine for growth—serving as an emerging international defence powerhouse and a key strategic hub within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. Fragmenting the district would risk stalling this vital economic growth.
5. That smaller, more locally focused councils are best equipped to deliver efficient public services and strengthen the crucial focus on community health and prevention.

This Council RESOLVES to:

1. Formally reaffirm its unwavering support for Option E as the best choice for Local Government Reorganisation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
2. Reject splitting Huntingdonshire boundaries and categorically oppose any LGR proposals, including Option D, that seek to carve up Huntingdonshire’s historic and administrative boundaries.
3. Instruct the Chief Executive, in consultation with Group Leaders to write immediately to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution and our local MPs, outlining this newly elected Council's reaffirmed mandate for Option E as the government deliberates its consultation findings.

Councillor Conboy opened the debated and thanked Councillor Martin for bringing the motion forward. She observed that Project Fairfax and Tempsford strengthened the case for Option E. She further noted that those who lived on the fringes of the district may have a different perspective on their neighbours than those in other parts of the district. She stated that Option E had ensure deliverable options for neighbouring authorities and fully supported the motion.

Councillor Alban addressed the Chamber noting how much had changed and progressed since the last Local Government Reorganisation in 1974. He believed that Huntingdonshire was big enough and caring enough to become its own Unitary Authority and expressed his desire to work with neighbours whilst remaining strong and independent rather than a small part in someone else’s plan.

Councillor P Hodgson-Jones reflected on the passionate debate held by the Council in November 2025 and the reasons why Option E is the best option  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To note the Councillors Attendance and Expenses Information for 2025/26

The Council noted the Councillors Attendance and Expenses Information 2026/27. (A copy of which is appended in the Minute Book).

At 8:32pm the meeting was adjourned to allow for the Annual Meeting of Committees and Annual Cabinet Meetings to be held.

To consider the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees and Panels if required.

At 9:27pm the meeting resumed.

It was stated that the Chair in post when this item was added to the Agenda agreed to this item being added to the Agenda after the Agenda's publication as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances. Those special circumstances being that Officers were alerted by Members, following publication of the Agenda, the concern of deadlock on Council Committees when appointing their Chairs and Vice-Chairs. Pursuant to Article 4.2(e) of the Constitution, Council has the power to agree and/or amend the terms of reference for committees and panels, decide on their composition and make appointments to them. The Chair in post considered it conducive to the conduct of business of the Council, through its Committees and Panels, to have any such deadlock resolved at the earliest opportunity, being at this Annual Council meeting.

It was noted that during the Annual Meeting of Committees five Chair and Vice-Chair posts remained unfilled.

Chair of Employment Committee

Councillor L Davenport-Ray proposed and Councillor S Smith seconded the nomination of Councillor A Blackwell as Chair of the Employment Committee for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Councillor P Simpson proposed and Councillor R Martin seconded the nomination of Councillor D McIlwain as Chair of the Employment Committee for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the proposal to appoint Councillor A Blackwell as Chair of the Employment Committee was put to the vote upon which the vote was declared to be TIED.

Upon the Chair’s casting vote, it was

RESOLVED

that Councillor A Blackwell be appointed Chair of the Employment Committee for the ensuing Municipal Year.

Vice-Chair of Employment Committee

Councillor A Blackwell proposed and Councillor L Dewey-Beckett seconded the nomination of Councillor S Smith as Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Councillor D McIlwain proposed and Councillor M Beuttell seconded the nomination of Councillor P Simpson as Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the proposal to appoint Councillor P Simpson as Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee was put to the vote upon which the vote was declared to be LOST.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the proposal to appoint Councillor S Smith as Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee was put to the vote upon which it was

RESOLVED

that Councillor S Smith be appointed Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee for the ensuing Municipal Year.

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth)

Councillor L Ascroft proposed and Councillor W Smith seconded the nomination of Councillor A Wood as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Councillor R Coogan proposed and Councillor R Ioannides seconded the nomination of Councillor H Tobias as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the proposal to appoint Councillor H Tobias as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) Panel  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.