Minutes:
The Chair, Councillor P Antcliff, stated her sincere appreciation of the dedication, commitment and service that Councillor M Thacker MBE had given over the years. The Chair said that he had been a beacon of the Council, demonstrating strong leadership skills and a future-focused strategy. The Chair stated that for her personally, and for many others too, in his role as Leader of the Council, Councillor M Thacker had been a guiding light and had always been there to offer support, guidance and a friendly ear. He would be a hard act to follow and the Chair wished him every success in any projects he undertook in the future.
Councillor A Dale stated that he had been extremely privileged to have worked alongside Councillor M Thacker as deputy group leader. He stated that Councillor Thacker had been a member of the Conservative Party for 37 years and had had a long and distinguished career in local politics. In 2007 he was elected to represent Brampton and Walton Ward for North East Derbyshire District Council and in 2019, Council M Thacker became Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council. Councillor Dale stated that on behalf of the Council, in particular from the Conservative Group, he wished to thank Councillor M Thacker for everything he had done as Group Leader for the past 9 years and as Leader of the Council since May 2019.
Councillor N Barker stated that whilst they were in different political parties he still respected what Councillor M Thacker had done as a Leader. Councillor N Barker added that Councillor Steve Fritchley, Leader of Bolsover District Council, has asked for his thanks and best wishes for the future to be passed on.
Councillor M Thacker MBE stated that he had started life in party politics in 1983 because he had wanted to make a difference. Councillor M Thacker stated that he was first elected to North East Derbyshire District Council in 2007. Councillor M Thacker reported that it was with sadness that he stepped down as Leader of the Council, however he had appreciated the support of elected Members from across the chamber as well as from a number of dedicated staff to which he extended a heartfelt thanks. He stated that he was proud of a number of achievements during his time as Leader, particularly the signing of the Charter for British Sign Language. Councillor M Thacker went on to state that the Council’s response to Covid-19 had been outstanding and he took pride in all that had been undertaken to make a difference for residents in the District. Councillor M Thacker stated that this was not retirement for him and he would continue working hard for the residents of the Ward he represented. Councillor M Thacker thanked all who had passed on messages of kindness and congratulations and whilst he anticipated new challenges he remained just as passionate about politics as he had been in 1983.
Councillor T Reader wished Councillor M Thacker lots of luck in his new role. Councillor R Shipman stated that in stepping down Councillor M Thacker would leave big boots to fill and wished him well in his new role and looked forward to working with him as a local Councillor in the interests of residents of North East Derbyshire. Councillor J Funnell stated his thanks for all Councillor Thacker’s hard work, particularly over the last 12 months.
Councillor C Cupit stated that Councillor M Thacker worked tirelessly to help a wide variety of residents, charities, and communities across his ward and the District. Councillor C Cupit added that Councillor M Thacker’s dedication had been perfectly illustrated during Covid-19, when he had helped adapt the Council to help residents and business. On a personal note Councillor C Cupit wished to add that Councillor M Thacker’s advice and political wisdom since she had been a Councillor had been invaluable.
Councillor B Lewis noted Councillor M Thacker’s work as Leader of the Council, especially in D2N2 and engaging with external organisations and how Councillor Thacker had been an exemplary advocate for the Council. Councillor D Hancock added his personal respect to Councillor M Thacker wished to pass on his thanks for the inclusivity that he had fostered as Leader of the Council.
Councillor A Powell described Councillor M Thacker as honourable, decisive, fastidious, knowledgeable, sagacious, discerning, shrewd, understanding, traditional, prudent, dedicated and wise. Councillor O Gomez Reaney wished Councillor M Thacker well in his future endeavours. Councillor W Armitage wished to thank Councillor M Thacker for his continued help and advice and Councillor B Hill stated that Councillor M Thacker would be missed as Leader of the Council.
Councillor J Kenyon wished to highlight the depth of knowledge that Councillor M Thacker held about the Council and stated that he set a very high standard for other Councillors to follow. Councillor C Huckerby wished Councillor M Thacker luck and Councillor A Foster wished to pass on her thanks, especially for his dedication as Leader of the Council.