Long-serving Councillor Ian Selby has been elected Chairman of South Kesteven District Council.
Cllr Selby was first elected in 1995, now serving Grantham Harrowby Ward, and will be supported in the role by Cllr Anna Kelly (Bourne West) following a vote at the Council’s Annual Meeting (Thursday 22 May).
In his acceptance speech for the one-year term, Cllr Selby paid tribute to his parents and announced the first of his nominated charities – Kesteven Rideability, which offers riding and equine therapy activities for disabled adults and children.
He told the meeting: “Thank you so much for electing me to this position. My biggest thank you goes to my parents, John and Anita Selby, who are here today. My mother, who is 82, will be my Consort.”
“Dad gives me advice on many occasions and one thing he has said to me is once you've said something you can't take it back, so be careful what you say here in the Council Chamber. Choose your words wisely.”
Setting out his political aims as Chairman, he said: “One of the roles of the Chairman is to be the conscience of the council. I will endeavour to do that to the best of my ability.
“I will endeavour to uphold the rules of the constitution as best I can. I apologise in advance if I make any errors. We all make mistakes, and I will do my utmost to keep those to a minimum.
“I wish to say respectfully, please observe the member code of conduct. I will not tolerate any disrespect to any member, especially during debate. For me the Council chamber is a political arena and if you want to score political points, then please do it respectfully.
“I hope, we never ever forget why we are here. We are here to serve the people, our resident, the people that gave us the honour to be here.”
Cllr Selby announced Kesteven Rideability as his choice for Chairman’s Charity, saying: “My first nominated charity is one which resonates with me as I grew up on horses and ponies. For me, the horses and ponies are the best animals on the planet.”
He also congratulated his new Vice Chairman, Cllr Anna Kelly, on her election to the role. Cllr Kelly has represented the Bourne West Ward since 2019.
Cllr Ian Selby with his parents, Anita and John Selby