Members will be asked to make any declarations of interest in respect of items on this agenda.

No declarations of interest were made.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2024.

Councillor Dann took the opportunity to inform the Committee of progress made in updating Civic Protocol.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2024 were agreed as a correct record.

To recommend to City Council a suitable person to fill the office of Lord Mayor for the year 2025/26.

The Committee sought nominations for the Lord Mayoralty 2025/26.

Councillor Ms Kathy Watkin was nominated by Councillor Finn, seconded by Councillor Murphy.

Councillor Maddi Bridgeman was nominated by Councillor Beer, seconded by Councillor Penberthy.

Councillor Ms Kathy Watkin received four votes (Councillors Aspinall, Dann, Finn, and Murphy).

Councillor Maddi Bridgeman received three votes (Councillors Beer, McLay and Penberthy).

Therefore, a cordial invitation was extended to Councillor Ms Kathy Watkin to accept the Office of the Lord Mayor for the following municipal year.

Councillors waited upon Councillor Ms Kathy Watkin who, on arrival, expressed her delight with the nomination, which she was very grateful to accept.

The Committee agreed to recommend to City Council that it approved the appointment of Councillor Ms Kathy Watkin as Lord Mayor for the 2025/26 municipal year.