Oakham’s new mayor is businessman Chris Nix

A new mayor and deputy have been selected to represent Oakham.

Businessman Chris Nix was elected by his colleagues to the role at the annual meeting last night (Thursday, May 15) and will be deputised by Anna Douthwaite.

Coun Nix, who runs a bar in Oakham, takes over from Coun Paul Ainsley, who has been the council's chairman since autumn last year. He decided not to stand for re-election and was put forward Coun Nix as his successor.

Coun Martin Brookes had nominated Coun Sally Anne Wadsworth, but after a vote Coun Nix was elected.

Speaking after his election, he said: “It is with immense pride and deep humility, I accept this position of chairman and mayor of this historic, vibrant and much loved town.”

He said he had a vision ‘grounded in key principles of unity, cohesion, community engagement and unity’ and that the council must ‘diligently guard against pettiness, in fighting and trivial quarrelling.’

He said it was ‘high time’ for the council to retain its place at the heart of the town. He said the authority must communicate better with the residents through social media and he was confident the council could achieve great things for the town.

The council has been in a bit of turmoil in recent weeks due to staff absence and disagreements between councillors.

Two councillors have departed, depleting their numbers to seven. Coun Hannah Williams resigned at Tuesday’s meeting (May 13) and Coun Sylvia Pryer left for personal reasons. There are five vacancies on the council.