Warwickshire News Mine

Councillor Barnes, a county councillor for Bidford-on-Avon since 2001, and a district councillor since 1998, remains on the county council, where his duties include sitting on the Stratford Area and the Regulatory committees. 

He bowed out on a high note with a collection raised on behalf of the county council to be shared between the British Heart Foundation and the new heart unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.  The collection has so far raised around £2000.

Commenting on his period as chair, Cllr Barnes said:  “I feel it’s been a very successful year.  I have enjoyed it and hope that I have been firm but jocular in chairing council meetings.”

Councillor Barnes’ successor is Councillor Josie Compton, county councillor for Leek Woootton since June 2001.  Her other duties as a county councillor include chairing the Warwick Area Committee as well as sitting on the Adult and Community Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

She said:  “I am sure that I speak on behalf of all of my colleagues when I say thank you to Councillor Barnes for the manner in which he has gone about his duties as chairman.  I look forward to taking over the role and will continue to serve the county with my usual commitment.”

Councillor Alan Farnell, leader of the county council, said: “Councillor Barnes has served the county council with his customary humour and fairness, providing the best possible atmosphere for constructive debate, in his year as chair and I am grateful to him for the excellent job he has done.  He hands over the reins to a very competent successor in Councillor Compton, whom I have known for years, and who will also bring many qualities to the role.”

The chair of Warwickshire County Council not only chairs full council meetings but is the council’s representative at civic events throughout the year of service.

The new vice chair, voted in by councillors, will be Councillor Phillip Morris-Jones.

Link to WCC