A new chairman and vice chairman of Cumbria County Council have been appointed at this year’s annual general meeting.
Tony Markley, Conservative member for Solway Coast since 2005, is the new chairman and Andy Connell, Liberal Democrat member for Appleby, is the new vice chairman.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, today’s meeting took place virtually.
Coun Markley has served on the council for 16 years and was vice-chairman for the past two years.
He will be supported during his term of office by his wife and Chairman’s consort, Denise.
Since being elected as a councillor, Tony has held numerous positions on various committees and boards.
He currently sits on the council’s Local Committee for Allerdale; development control and regulation committee; scrutiny advisory board – communities and place; and Workington Harbour management committee.
Coun Markley said: “I am both proud and honoured to hold the honorary role of chairman and look forward to representing Cumbria and its communities in the year ahead.
“I feel this role is exceptionally important in raising the profile of the council and all the good work it does.
“I have been blown away by the county’s response to COVID-19 and in my year as chairman would like to support the recovery from the virus and to see Cumbrian businesses and community groups go from strength to strength.
“For my chosen charities this year, I would like to lend my support to the RNLI and NWAS Community First Responders.
“They do fantastic work across the county and I look forward to working with them.”
