Chair and Vice‑Chair for North Devon Council are elected

Chair and Vice-Chair Photos

North Devon councillors met at Brynsworthy Environment Centre on Wednesday 22 April for the Council’s Annual Meeting, marking the start of the 2026/27 municipal year.

The main focus of the meeting was the election of the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, along with the Chair and Vice‑Chair. The agenda also included appointments of Chairs and Vice‑Chairs to the Council’s key decision‑making committees.

The following appointments were made for the 2026/27 municipal year:

  • Chair of Council – Councillor David Worden
  • Vice‑Chair of Council – Councillor Julie Hunt
  • Leader of the Council – Councillor David Clayton
  • Deputy Leader of the Council – Councillor Peter Leaver

Chair of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden, said: “It is a great honour to be elected as chair of North Devon Council for it’s the final year before the authority is due to change under the government’s reorganisation of local government.  Along with Councillor Malcolm Prowse I was there at the beginning of the Council in 1974 and so it means a great deal to me to be given the position of chair as the council comes to an end in 2027.”

Vice‑Chair of North Devon Council, Councillor Julie Hunt, said: “I want to say a massive thank you to my council colleagues for having faith in voting for me to be Vice Chair of the council, this is the second time that I have been Vice Chair and it is a huge honour to support Councillor David Worden in his role as Chair.”

Councillors also confirmed the following Lead Member appointments:

  • Financial Security and Commercialisation – Councillor Helen Walker
  • Housing – Councillor Graham Bell
  • Climate and Environment – Councillor Ricky Knight
  • Waste and Recycling – Councillor Frank Biederman
  • Regeneration, Economic Development and Planning – Councillor Malcolm Prowse
  • Coastal Communities and Ilfracombe – Councillor Malcolm Wilkinson
  • Local Government Reorganisation – Councillor Caroline Leaver

The meeting also marked the end of Councillor Helen Walker’s term as Chair of North Devon Council. To mark the conclusion of her tenure, Councillor Walker presented a cheque to the RNLI, recognising the charity’s vital and lifesaving work along North Devon’s coastline.

RNLI Cheque Presentation

Reflecting on her time as Chair, Councillor Helen Walker said: “It has been my honour to serve as Chair for the past two years. I am lucky to have represented North Devon Council at many interesting events, including visiting the Children’s Hospice, taking part in the VE Day celebrations in London and British Wool in South Molton. I am pleased to have been able to support the RNLI as my chosen charity.”

More information about the role and responsibilities of the Council’s Chair and Vice Chair is available on the council’s website.