New chair appointed at North Northamptonshire Council

22 May 2026

At North Northamptonshire Council’s Annual Full Council meeting on Thursday 21 May, Councillors welcomed a new Chair for the next civic year. 

And an earlier Special Meeting saw honours bestowed on six individuals for their eminent public service in North Northamptonshire. 

During the Annual Full Council meeting, Cllr Maurice Eglin was elected as the Council’s chair with Cllr Andy Sims as Deputy Chair. Councillors also thanked Cllr Helen Campbell for carrying out the role for the past year.

The role of the Chair is a largely ceremonial one, including chairing Full Council meetings and representing the area at civic functions and events.

The new Chair of the Council announced that the charities Wicksteed Park and SSAFA will be his charities for this year. 

It is a real privilege to step into the role of civic head for North Northamptonshire Council over the coming year. I’m excited to spend time out in our communities, meeting people and connecting with the many organisations that make our area so special.

I look forward to seeing first-hand, and helping to celebrate, the inspiring work and positive difference being made across North Northamptonshire. I’m also proud to be supporting Wicksteed Park and SSAFA as my chosen charities for the year.Cllr Maurice Eglin, Chair of the Council

I would like to congratulate those members who were new to the council, irrespective of where they sit in this chamber, on their first year at the Council. They have been diligent in attending extensive member development whilst juggling full time jobs and their ward work, busy family lives and attending the various committees.

I’m a great believer that actions speak for themselves. Over the next twelve months we are going to see this council achieve even more, we are going to see momentum building, especially with our Big 50 Vision. We will no doubt tackle the odd challenge along the way too which I know we will all tackle with respect and the highest level of public service.

I will relentlessly seek to raise this Council’s profile because we are doing great things and our area deserves to be recognised as the amazing place that it is.

It is time that everyone recognised that whilst we still have more to do, our council is fast becoming one of the best councils in the country, and I am incredibly proud to lead it.Councillor Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council

During the meeting, the Executive and their portfolios for 2026/27 were confirmed with Cllr Martin Griffiths continuing as Leader and Cllr Graham Cheatley as Deputy Leader alongside his role as Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change.

Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen – in recognition of eminent public service

An earlier Special Meeting on the same day considered the enrolment of six former councillors as Honorary Aldermen/Alderwomen of North Northamptonshire Council. 

Honours may be considered for nominated councillors who served for 12 years or more and have provided eminent public service in the area of North Northamptonshire.

Six individuals were nominated for demonstrating acts of outstanding public service both at North Northamptonshire Council and its predecessor councils. 

Those nominated and voted into enrolment as Honorary Aldermen/Alderwomen of North Northamptonshire Council are: 

Tim Allebone 

Tim served as a Councillor for 22 years on the Borough Council of Wellingborough and for North Northamptonshire Council. Tim was Mayor of the Borough Council of Wellingborough from 2006-2007 and has a long history of supporting local initiatives. 

Tom Beattie 

Tom served on Corby Borough Council for 18 years and as leader from 2011 to 2021. He was awarded Council Leader of the Year in the LGIU (Local Government Information Unit), chaired the East Midlands Councils Regional Employers Board for 5 years and was also a Local Government Association (LGA) peer and a member of the LGA Resources Board for four years. 

Ray Beeby 

Ray served on the Corby Borough Council for 26 years and then the Corby Town Council for four years, totalling 30 years. Ray was the Mayor of Corby Borough Council twice and also worked with various Charity organisations. 

Dudley Hughes 

Dudley was an East Northamptonshire Councillor for 18 years, and Northamptonshire County Councillor for 12 years. Dudley was Chair of East Northamptonshire Council twice and Chair of Northamptonshire County Council once. He has raised funds for Charity through a variety of events across the county and been involved in numerous local organisations. 

Sylvia Hughes 

Sylvia served on East Northamptonshire Council for 14 years and was Chair of East Northamptonshire Council in 2011-2012. Sylvia also served on Northamptonshire County Council for 12 years, including as the Cabinet Member for Public Health and as the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board. Sylvia was also a member of the Board of Governors at Northampton University serving as both Chair and Deputy Chair. 

Andrew Scarborough 

Andrew was a Borough Council of Wellingborough councillor, serving as Deputy Leader for 4 years, and as leader of the opposition for 4 years.  Locally Andrew has served as school governor for many years, chaired charities and been a magistrate for 23 years, as well as several other local appointments.

As well as formally recognising their dedication to public service, receiving the ceremonial tribute also means that the Honorary Aldermen and Honorary Alderwoman may attend and take part in specific civic ceremonies and civic meetings throughout the municipal year.