In an AGM held last week (Friday, June 28th) Mrs Julie James, one of eight Members appointed to the Authority by the Welsh Government, was unanimously elected by Members as the new Chairman and Cllr Geraint Hopkins was re-elected as Deputy Chairman of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.
Following her re-election, Mrs James said: “It is very humbling that Members have re-elected me to lead this Authority for a third year. I will continue to work hard to improve our reputation and celebrate our successes.
“There is still much more to do in a challenging time of diminishing resources, so we will have to look at doing things differently and work even harder and more collaboratively to achieve our aims.”
Re- elected Deputy Chairman Cllr Hopkins, said: “I feel very privileged to be able to continue as Deputy Chairman for another year. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Member of the Authority. In my role as Chairman of the Corporate Governance Task and Finish Working Group I hope I have enhanced the reputation of the Authority – I believe we are a more open Authority now and I hope Members of the public can see that.
“The Chairman and I have worked very well together over the last 12 months, and I look forward to working with her for another year.”
John Cook, Chief Executive of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, added: “I’m really pleased that Members have seen fit to unanimously re-elect Mrs Julie James as Chairman. I am personally very grateful for her support and another year under her chairmanship will help put into effect all the plans which are underway to become a stronger and better Authority.
“Similarly, I am delighted that Cllr Geraint Hopkins has been re-elected as Deputy Chairman of the Authority. He brings a breadth of skills in his role as an experienced County Councillor that we can all benefit from. I welcome his advice, support and experience.”
Cllr Evan Morgan from Powys County Council was unanimously re-elected as Chairman of Planning, Access and Rights of Way (PAROW), with Welsh Government appointee Martin Buckle elected to remain as Deputy Chairman of PAROW.
Professor Alan Lovell, a Welsh Government appointed Member, was re-elected for his third year as Chairman of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee, with Monmouthshire County Council representative Cllr Ann Webb re-elected as Deputy Chairman.
Further information on changes to the committee structure and membership can be found at www.beacons-npa.gov.uk.
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