Cubbington councillor elected as chairman of Warwickshire County Council

The Cubbington-born farmer, who has represented Kenilworth St Johns since 2001 took the chair from Cllr Nicola Davies (Lib Dem, Leamington Clarendon) at the council’s annual meeting held this week [Thursday].

Cllr Cockburn, a former deputy leader at County Hall, praised council staff for how they adapted to the coronavirus pandemic with the minimum of fuss and also highlighted some of the efforts in his own community.

He said: “When I was elected as vice-chair last year no one could have predicted the situation we find ourselves in today. The coronavirus has caused great suffering and hardship but it has also brought out the best in people. In my home town of Kenilworth volunteers have delivered over 40,000 prescriptions to people’s homes - they call themselves the Pharmy Army.

“I am looking forward to this coming year as Warwickshire is a county which is very close to my heart. My family has farmed in this part of the world since my great grandfather came down to rent one of the Earl of Warwick’s farms from Cumbria in 1888 so I appreciate what a really special place Warwickshire is.

“It has one of the fastest growing economies in the country with brilliant transport links being at the crossroads of England and with its stunning countryside and small towns and villages it is a great place to live.”

Reflecting on her time as chair of the council, Cllr Davies said: “It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to serve as your chair for the past year and an unanticipated extra few months and during that time I attended 100 events and was constantly reminded of the close bonds both within and between our communities in Warwickshire and with our neighbours in Solihull and Coventry.

“At school I was torn between wanting to be a jump jockey - quite a high risk endeavour with a lot of chances to fall - and a librarian - a rather calm and methodical vocation. At times this year during these meetings, a strange combination of both have felt part of my reality.”

Councillors at the annual meeting, which was held virtually, also voted Cllr Peter Gilbert (Con, Bedworth West) as their new vice-chair.