Term Of Office Extended For Harborough Council Chairman

The Chairman of Harborough District Council will continue in his civic role for another year.

Due to limitations on attending events and fundraising opportunities due to the pandemic, Cllr Stephen Bilbie from Fleckney has had his term of office extended.

It’s only the second time in the authority’s history a Chairman has retained the chains of office for two years.

Cllr Bilbie said: “The last year has been very challenging for everyone and, whilst I was able to attend some events as part of my civic duties, they were very limited.

“As a result, it has been very difficult to raise funds for my chosen charity Vista.

“I am delighted and honoured that my fellow councillors have agreed that myself, and the Vice Chairman, are able to continue to serve the district for the year ahead, as we all look forward to, hopefully, a more positive year.”

Cllr Stephen Bilbie

The only other Chairman to carry on for a second term was Col. Hampton A Hughes, the Market Harborough Urban District Council’s first Chairman in 1973-1974, who continued in the role again in 1974-1975 when the Council merged with the Rural Districts of Harborough, Billesdon and Lutterworth to form Harborough District Council.

The current Vice Chairman, Cllr Neil Bannister, will also continue in the role for the coming year.

Cllr Neil Bannister & Cllr Stephen Bilbie