District council new chair 'honoured' by role

The new chair of a district council has described her new post as "a great honour".

Independent councillor Beverley Nielsen takes over the role at Malvern Hills District Council from Daniel Walton, who ended two years as council chair at last week's annual council meeting.

"It's a great honour and one I take very seriously. I'm looking forward to representing our wonderful district I'm so proud to be a part of," Nielsen said.

"I want to thank Daniel, who has set a high bar as chair of our council, particularly with his fundraising efforts for two charities – it's been a brilliant effort."

Nielsen added: "Daniel is the latest in a long line of chairmen we can be really proud of."

She said she had not had time to fully think through everything she wanted to achieve in her year as chair.

"I would like to do something to support St Richard's Hospice, and I want to continue Daniel's physical efforts and would like to do a triathlon this year, but I have some way to go – I'll keep you posted," she said.

"I look forward to representing the people of Malvern Hills to the best of my ability."

Walton said his time in the role had been an "honour and privilege" that he would never forget.

"John Raine and Pam Cummings have been wonderful vice-chairs," he said. "My heartfelt thanks to my consort, my partner Becky, and my daughter Heather who has attended events with me.

"It has been a lot of work and I couldn't have done it without support."

Walton also said he had been proud to host two civic services in his home village of Lower Broadheath and to run the London Marathon in aid of the Stroke Association, raising £2,500.

Councillor Pam Cummings will remain as vice chair of the council, while John Gallager remains leader of the council, despite a rival bid to elect Natalie McVey instead.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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