The Chair of H&I Parish Council Yvonne Murray has announced this will be her final year in the role. She shared the news publicly during the Parish Council Annual Meeting on Monday (18 May).
As part of the announcement, she informed members that she wants an exit strategy in place within six months of her departure. This will be her fourth consecutive year leading the Council – usually the maximum possible for the Chair according to the Standing Orders. Meanwhile, Edd Stonham was once again re-elected as Vice Chair.
In a statement to HI HUB, she said: “To ensure good decision making and establish clear expectations, it is essential to be explicit about my current position.
“Since I joined the Council, the environment has shifted significantly – [Community Infrastructure Levy], Local Government Reorganisation, the Cambridge Growth Company, and the wider development pressures now reaching our established settlement. These changes have raised the bar for governance, planning and community engagement.
“What I can say with confidence is that everyone has stepped up. Our staff team, councillors, and the many residents now attending meetings with good data, good questions and real commitment have strengthened our collective capacity. It is encouraging.”
Yvonne’s statement ended: “Whatever I decide personally, the priority is ensuring the Council is positioned to meet the increased requirements ahead and that we have the structures, skills and leadership in place to deliver.”
Other matters
During the same meeting, councillors also finalised the membership of committees and working groups for the year ahead.
All will continue to operate, with none set to be disbanded. This includes the Nature and Biodiversity Committee which was raised at last week’s Annual Meeting of the Parish.
Four seats are currently vacant on the Parish Council and it is hoped these will be filled through co-option. Formal information about the process is due to be issued soon.
In her statement to HI HUB, Yvonne said: “The scale of work ahead requires a full and active Council, and co‑option gives us the opportunity to bring in people with the skills, capacity and commitment our villages need.”
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