The new chair of Holbeach Parish Council says he is looking to ensure that parishioners’ voices are heard.
Stephen Johnson was unanimously supported to lead the council at last week’s meeting, following Coun Graham Rudkin’s resignation.
The vice chair will be Coun Sophie Hutchinson, who edged out Coun John Spencer, the previous post-holder, following a vote by councillors.
At the meeting the chairs and other key positions of a number of committees were decided as part of efforts to make the council more transparent.
It was also agreed to publish the recording of parish council meetings on its website. The video of last week’s meeting had received over 1,000 views, the council said.
Coun Johnson (pictured) said: “Public engagement has always been close to my heart. I joined the parish council several years ago and having found my feet, I have since been involved in various elements of council life.
“My future vision is to lead the council to demonstrate transparency and engagement at all levels. My drive as chairman is to ensure our public have their voices and opinions heard and bring great improvements to the Holbeach parish.”
When asked about tackling reported infighting at the council recently, Coun Johnson said it was down to “miscommunication and misinterpretation” and added greater transparency measures would “remove the miscommunication element and ensure that the council is moving forwards with matters in hand”.
He continued: “I am confident my direct approach on moving forward will encourage the parishioners to leave the past behind and work with us to ensure we deliver for today and the future, ensuring our clerk and deputy can provide a superb front-line service along with our valuable open spaces team. I am confident, with all the positive comments already on social media, that we are making great progress already to deliver to the public a service we can be proud of.
“My vice chair and myself are looking forward to a much brighter, productive parish council.”
