“IT’S a huge honour – I cannot really express how delighted I am to be asked to be Mayor again” – that was the reaction from Councillor Michael Chalk after he was elected to the position at Monday night’s Redditch full council meeting.
Coun Chalk (Con, Abbey) takes over from Coun Roger Bennett (Ind) who was suspended from the Conservative Party for six months and forced to step down over social media postings.
“I know I will only serve for about six months, but who wouldn’t jump at the chance to be Mayor – it’s a massive honour,” added Coun Chalk.
Coun Chalk, who is 73, was Mayor from 2006-07 and first attained office in 1979, serving for four years before returning again in 1994 and has served ever since.
A great honour: Councillor Michael Chalk.
His appointment breaks his own belief that it was ‘logistically impossible to serve as Mayor twice’ due to Redditch’s system of electing in ‘thirds’ three years out of four.
A long time stalwart of Redditch – his wife Jean and his daughter are appearing in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats at Palace Theatre – he took a few moments on Monday night to promote the Redditch Operatic Society show to councillors.
“My wife and I are extremely honoured and the reason she’s not here tonight is because she’s across the road dressed as a cat for the dress rehearsals,” he said to laughter.
“There’s only a few tickets left and none for the Saturday night although some are still available for the matinee.”
He also gave a vote of thanks to Coun Bennett, who said: “I thank all those councillors who have supported me through the last six months.
“I have since been overwhelmed by no end of support from both sides of the chamber and it’s something I have really appreciated.”
Coun Chalk, who will stand down as chair of the planning committee and be replaced by Coun Salman Akbar (Con, Crabbs Cross), said he would continue to support Coun Bennett’s chosen charities: The League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital, Blue Wave Community Transport, and the Mental Health Action Group (MHAG).
