Kevin Lagan, councillor for Maldon South, was elected Chairman of the District Council at a meeting this evening (May 18).

Outgoing Council Chairman Robert Boyce MBE commenced the first full-council meeting since the local elections, with a standing ovation from councillors.

Councillor Wendy Stamp (Independent) said: "I'd like to thank you for all your hard work, as I'm sure everybody else in the council chamber appreciates everything you've done.

"You will be sorely missed, even though we all have our disagreements with you."

Cllr Stamp nominated Councillor Kevin Lagan (Ind) to be Chair, seconded by Cllr Jeanette Stilts.

Mr Boyce presented the chain of office to Cllr Lagan, who told him: "That's very kind of you Bob, thank you."

Cllr Lagan added: "I'd like to honour Cllr Boyce and especially Cllr Nunn for all the work and commitment they've given over recent decades.

"It certainly is an honour to be here, being born from this town. My mother would never have believed it – and she probably would've smacked me for being so daft."

Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale (left) joined outgoing Council Chairman Robert Boyce (middle) and outgoing Vice-Chair Stephen Nunn at one of their final engagements earlier this month. (Photo: Maldon District Council)

Mr Boyce is one of Maldon District Council's longest-serving members. On May 5, he undertook one of his last engagements as Maldon District Council Chairman by planting a pair of trees in Burnham-On-Crouch and Maldon, to commemorate the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

The meeting also marked the end of outgoing Council Vice-Chairman Stephen Nunn's time at Maldon District Council. Along with his work in local democracy, Cllr Nunn is a renowned historian, which he told Nub News was one of the reasons for his departure.

In March, the Cllr Nunn said there were "a number of reasons" as to why he had opted to stand down, including charity commitments and his two grandchildren. However, he added that he had also "had enough of the behaviour of some councillors".

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