Issue - meetings
Announcements from the Chair, Leader of Chief Executive (if any)
Meeting: 20/05/2026 - Council (Item 101)
Announcements from the Chair, Leader or Chief Executive
Purpose
To receive any announcements from the Chair of the Council, the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Chair invited Councillor David Fowles to speak. Councillor Fowles stood to thank officers and members for their good wishes and messages of support following his recent accident, stating that these had sustained him during his stay in the Acute Assessment Unit at Great Western Hospital.
Councillor Fowles confirmed that he was recovering well and, after making a light-hearted remark about his appearance, reiterated his sincere gratitude for the kindness and support he had received.
The Chair then invited Councillor Joe Harris to speak.
Councillor Harris stood to thank colleagues for their support during a recent Code of Conduct investigation arising from a Counter Fraud report, noting that no wrongdoing had been found. He welcomed the apology received from the Chief Executive and commented on the personal impact the matter and related social media speculation had had on both himself and his family. He also suggested that consideration be given to strengthening pastoral support for councillors facing high-profile allegations.
The member informed Council that this would be his final meeting at Cotswold District Council following his decision to take up a new role. He paid tribute to Council officers for their dedication and hard work during recent challenges, including the pandemic; cost of living crisis; energy crisis and Brexit, and thanked councillor colleagues from across the political spectrum for their support, challenge and collaboration over the years.
He reflected on his time serving on the Council, including ten years as Leader of his group and six years as Council Leader, and expressed pride in having encouraged others into public service. He concluded by stating that serving the Council had been an honour and thanked members and officers for their support throughout his political career.
The Chair then invited other Councillors to speak. Members paid tribute to Councillor Joe Harris on the occasion of his departure from the Council. It was noted that he had first become involved in local politics at a young age and had subsequently built a long and distinguished record of public service.
Members highlighted his leadership of the Council, his campaigning ability, and his commitment to key priorities including housing, climate action, and service improvement. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic, including efforts to maintain public communication and engagement, was particularly recognised.
Councillors across all groups acknowledged his visibility and energy in public life, his contribution at district, county, and national level as well as through the LGA, and his ability to engage with residents and colleagues alike. His mentoring of new councillors and support for colleagues at the start of their political careers was also noted.
While acknowledging that political debate with him could be robust, members expressed respect for his dedication and commitment to public service. Several members thanked him personally for his support and wished him well for the future, and his new career, recognising the significant contribution he had made to the Council and the wider community.
The Chair then moved to his announcements and also paid tribute to Councillor Joe ... view the full minutes text for item 101