Minutes:
By-election of Councillor – Evington ward
The Lord Mayor referred to the recent by election in the Evington Ward, where Councillor Shahid Khan was duly elected. The Lord Mayor invited the City Mayor to formally introduce Councillor Khan to Council. The City Mayor congratulated Councillor Khan and welcomed him to the Council.
Councillor Ratilal Govind and Alderman Malik Salim
The Lord Mayor reflected upon the recent sad loss of Councillor Ratilal Govind who passed away after a difficult fight against Cancer on 2nd December last year. He noted that he was a dedicated and effective Councillor who served on a wide range of Committees, noting that he was recently the Vice-Chair of the Overview Select Committee. He had served as a Councillor since 2015.
The Lord Mayor also noted the sad loss of Alderman Malik Salim who passed away last year. He was elected as a Councillor in 1989 and served the City for 10 years. He was appointed as an Honorary Alderman for his service. He was also the Chairman of the Islamic Centre in Leicester.
The Council stood for a minute’s silence in memory of Councillor Govind and Alderman Salim.
Simon Cole
The Lord Mayor referenced the recently announced retirement of Chief Constable Simon Cole QPM, after 33 years of service with the Police Force. It was noted that Simon was the longest serving Chief Constable in the United Kingdom. He had dealt with many challenges during his time in the role, such as the Covid lockdowns, Premier League celebrations, and sad events such as the helicopter crash at Leicester City and the Hinckley Road explosion. It was noted that Simon had dealt with these challenges effectively and sensitively. The Lord Mayor also noted that Simon had worked well with the Council and under his leadership he had made the city a safer and more pleasant place to live.
The Lord Mayor thanked Simon on behalf of the citizens of Leicester.
The Lord Mayor also invited the City Mayor to say a few words in relation to Simon. The City Mayor referred to Simon’s impressive abilities, good sense and steady leadership. He also noted his good awareness of Leicester, it challenges and needs. He noted that he would be very much missed, and he wished him well.
Charity Events
The Lord Mayor informed Council of two forthcoming charity events. A Spring ball was taking place at the Mercure Grand Hotel on Saturday 2nd April 2022. There was also going to be a coffee morning hosted by the Lady Mayoress at the Town Hall on Saturday 30th April. Both events would be supporting the Lord Mayor’s charities, Silver Star Diabetes and the Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent Charity. All Members were encouraged to support the events.
Freedom of the City
The Lord Mayor reflected upon the decision which Council had just taken, to confer Honorary Freedom of the City to Leicester City Football Club. He noted that this honour was very much deserved for their sporting achievements and ongoing commitment to the city’s communities.