New Braintree Council chairman elected for next civil year

Councillor Andrew Hensman, who is the ward member for Braintree Central and Beckers Green, was elected as chairman for Braintree Council for the civic year 2022/23, at an Annual General Meeting on Monday April 25.

Mrs Diana Garrod has been elected as vice-chairman.

Councillor Hensman said: “I am honoured to have been selected as chairman for the coming civic year.

"It’s a role with many responsibilities but I’m looking forward to visiting the many people who make up the district and supporting communities and businesses.”

He will be replacing the outgoing chairman of the council, Councillor Sue Wilson, who attended 65 engagements in the local community and raised money for local charities.

At the AGM, Mrs Wilson said: “I’ve had the honour of being Braintree Council chairman for a second term in office and what a wonderful year it has been.

"Despite the challenges of Covid, I have managed to visit many businesses and organisations and it never ceases to amaze me how much enthusiasm and hard work is carried out by volunteers.

"Best wishes for the forthcoming year to Councillor Hensman.”

READ MORE >> Police hold inaugural district football event - and it was a huge success

Mr Hensman will be focusing his civic year on meeting individuals, communities and businesses and promoting the aims and values of the council in communities.

Rather than announcing his chosen charities at the AGM, the chairman as opted to fundraise throughout the year and make donations to charities and communities he visits to allow chances for emerging causes.

He is thought to be making history as the first publicly autistic council chairman in the UK, and hopes to inspire others, especially from the autistic community, that with the right support and greater understanding, they too can achieve great things.

Any organisations, community groups or businesses that would like to invite the chairman to attend an event should visit braintree.gov.uk/invitethechairman.