Chairman plans boost for businesses
The new chairman of Lincolnshire County Council, Councillor Neil Cooper, has pledged to champion county firms.
On Friday 20 May, Councillor Cooper became the 26th chairman of the county council. He was first elected as the member for Wainfleet and Burgh in 2001, and currently holds a position on the Planning & Regulation Committee. Last year, he served as vice-chairman of the county council alongside outgoing chairman Councillor Peter Bedford.
Councillor Cooper said:
“It is an honour to have been elected chairman, and I look forward to serving as an ambassador for Lincolnshire. My particular aim for the year is to continue the work of my predecessor Councillor Peter Bedford in supporting and promoting county businesses. I want to help raise the profile of our local industries and bring people together, creating new opportunities. I will also do all I can to let people know how special Lincolnshire is, and encourage others to get to know our wonderful county.”
Councillor Cooper was born in Skegness, moving to Burgh-le-Marsh when he was 23. He has been married to his wife, Pauline, for 30 years and they have two grown-up daughters. Councillor Cooper began his political career at Burgh-le-Marsh Town Council in 1995, where he also holds the position of chairman on both the twinning and carnival committees in Burgh-le-Marsh. He is also currently a member of East Lindsey District, Skegness Town and Burgh-le-Marsh Town councils.
As county council chairman he will be responsible for overseeing meetings of the council, ensuring they are carried out in a fair and just manner. He will also act as the ‘First Citizen of Lincolnshire’, playing a key role in promoting and enhancing the civic life of the county. This will involve attending civic engagements, formal ceremonies, award presentations and church services that recognise individual, community and business-related achievements.
Councillor Cooper has chosen to support the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and the Skegness branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. His role as chairman will involve raising money for these charities throughout his term in office.
Councillor Robert Palmer was elected as vice-chairman.
