Extraordinary Council Meeting
Resolutions and proceedings of the Extraordinary Meeting of the City of York Council held at the Citadel, York on Thursday, 6 November 2025, starting at 6.00 pm.
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Present: The Lord Mayor (Councillor Martin Rowley BEM) in the Chair, and the following Councillors: |
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Acomb Ward |
Bishopthorpe Ward |
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Lomas Rose
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Nicholls
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Clifton Ward |
Copmanthorpe Ward |
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Myers Wells
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Steward
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Dringhouses & Woodthorpe Ward |
Fishergate Ward |
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Fenton Mason Widdowson
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Whitcroft Wilson
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Fulford and Heslington Ward |
Guildhall Ward |
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Ravilious
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Clarke Melly Merrett
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Haxby & Wigginton Ward |
Heworth Ward |
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Cuthbertson Hollyer Watson
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B Burton Douglas Webb
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Heworth Without Ward |
Holgate Ward |
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Ayre
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Kent Steels-Walshaw Taylor
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Hull Road Ward |
Huntington and New Earswick Ward |
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Baxter Moroney Pavlovic
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Cullwick Orrell Runciman
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Micklegate Ward |
Osbaldwick and Derwent Ward |
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J Burton Crawshaw Kilbane
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Rawcliffe and Clifton Without Ward |
Rural West York Ward |
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Hook Knight
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Strensall Ward |
Westfield Ward |
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Fisher Healey
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Coles Nelson Waller
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Wheldrake Ward |
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Vassie
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45. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Smalley, Wann, Warters and Waudby.
46. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
47. Appointment of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service)
The Chief Officer (HR and Support Services) submitted a report which invited Council to approve the recommendation of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee’s Appointments Panel to appoint Richard Webb to the role of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service).
A brief summary of Richard Webb’s biography and employment history was included as an annex to the report for members’ information.
Following the recommendations having been moved and seconded the Lord Mayor invited responses from the Leader of the Council and Opposition Group Leaders.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Douglas, reported on her role as Chair of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee. That it had been a productive and collaborative process that started back in mid-August as part of the pre-application process. There were 39 applicants that came through the process and that was shortlisted to five, then four, then one. The process involved various panels comprising young people, trade unions, partners, equalities and corporate management team. It was with great pleasure that a collective decision had been made to offer the role to Richard Webb, currently Director of Health and Adult Services at North Yorkshire Council. He was an excellent candidate who brought a wealth of experience from across local government. It was noted that the next step was for Council to consider the recommendations to proceed with the appointment and subject to approval for human resources to undertake final checks.
The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Ayre, wished to place on record his thanks to the outgoing Chief Executive, Ian Floyd, particularly highlighting his work in relation to development of York Community Stadium, one of the largest capital schemes in the city’s history. He also thanked all those involved with contributing their time and expertise to assist the panel, which included, members of the public, young people and partners. The incoming Chief Executive, Richard Webb, had demonstrated enthusiasm, passion and knowledge and would be a huge asset to the city.
The Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Steward, thanked the outgoing Chief Executive, Ian Floyd, who he had always considered a pleasure to work with. He was fair and balanced in his approach and undertaken a great job. He welcomed the appointment of the incoming Chief Executive, Richard Webb, who had demonstrated all the necessary skills to be a great Chief Executive at City of York Council. He particularly highlighted his skills in relation to adult social care, which was despite some of the difficult and challenging circumstances faced by Councils.
Resolved (unanimously) –
That Council
a) Notes the recruitment process which has been followed for the appointment of the Council’s Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service); and
b) Approves the recommendation of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee’s appointment panel to appoint Richard Webb to the post of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service), subject to satisfactory completion of appropriate recruitment checks.
Reasons: The recommendations are supported to enable the Council to appoint a Chief Executive to discharge the duties and functions assigned to the role and for the Council to remain compliant by employing a Head of Paid Service at all times. The mechanism to do so is pursuant to the Constitution and Officer Employment Procedure Rules. It was essential for the Council to undertake a robust and thorough recruitment and selection process upon announcement of the Chief Operating Officer’s retirement ahead of Easter 2026. The Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee’s appointment panel, the Chief Officer HR and Support Services and Penna (the Council’s appointed recruitment consultants) have worked closely to ensure that the Council has been able to attract and appoint exceptional talent to the role.
Councillor Martin Rowley BEM
LORD MAYOR OF YORK
(The meeting started at 6.00 pm and concluded at 6.15 pm)