To consider nominations for the appointment of Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the 2026/27 Civic Year.
After the vote on the election of Mayor has been carried, the new Mayor, upon making the declaration of acceptance of office, will take the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.
Minutes:
It was proposed by Councillor Barney that Councillor Butler be elected as Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the civic year 2026/27.
Councillor Barney congratulated Councillor Cottee on his successful year, thanked him for his hard work and Loraine for supporting him so ably. Councillor Barney stated that it was a great privilege and pleasure to nominate Councillor Butler to serve as the next Mayor, as he had long demonstrated the qualities that this office demanded, integrity, compassion and commitment, with a genuine dedication to public service. Throughout his decades as a Councillor, he had shown unwavering commitment to residents, and it was not just his experience but the manner in which he served that distinguished him. He believed that Councillor Butler had earned the respect of colleagues across the Council Chamber and the trust of the communities he represented, as he understood the importance of bringing people together.
Councillor Barney stated that Councillor Butler moved to the Borough aged four, moving to Cotgrave in 1990. His working career had been varied, including retail, advertising and marketing, working for the Nottingham Evening Post and promoting work based learning and training for younger and older people. Councillor Butler was first elected to Cotgrave Town Council in 1999, Nottinghamshire County Council in 2001, followed by Rushcliffe Borough Council in 2003, and he remained a member on all three councils. Since then, he had sat on the majority of committees holding most roles, and in 2024-25 he was elected as Chairman at Nottinghamshire County Council, performing that role very successfully. Councillor Barney referred to Councillor Butler’s love of the countryside, music, literature and to his passion for the DAF Variomatic car.
He went on to advise that Councillor Butler was following in highly commendable footsteps, as his father, Councillor Roy Butler served as Mayor in 2000/01, and that he would be immensely proud of him tonight. Councillor Barney felt that Councillor Butler would also be an outstanding ambassador for Rushcliffe and would carry out his role with distinction, warmth and dedication.
In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Mason reiterated Councillor Butler’s dedication to local residents over many years, as well as the support he had given to Councillors from all political parties. She referred to his sense of humour and that he always saw the good in people and believed he would have an excellent year and wished him well.
There being no further nominations, it was RESOLVED that Councillor Butler be elected as Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the civic year 2026/27.
Councillor Butler then read and signed the declaration of acceptance of office and after thanking his proposer, seconder and fellow Councillors, took the Chair and was invested with the Chain of Office.
The Mayor thanked Councillors for entrusting him with the office, and Councillors Barney and Mason for their kind words. The Mayor stated that it was an honour to be chosen, it meant a great deal to him, and in particular he was thinking about his father this evening. He was looking forward to attending events around the Borough, as Rushcliffe truly was a great place to live. He thanked Councillor Cottee for his service over the year and that it had been a pleasure to be his deputy and he thanked the Reverand Paul Massey for agreeing to be his Chaplain. He referred to his charity, Guide Dogs, and stated that most people took their senses for granted, and it was important to think how different and challenging life would be without your sight. Thousands of people were visually impaired and guide dogs provided a lifeline for them. Training a guide dog was very specialised and expensive and he hoped to raise money and awareness to help this organisation continue its incredible work, and he welcomed representatives from the charity, including two guide dogs they had brought to the meeting. He thanked Councillor Brown, who was planning a 24 hour bus tour on 1 August, and hoped that everyone would support him, with the donations going to the Mayor’s charity. The Mayor stated that he hoped that this would be the first of several events throughout the year. He hoped that going forward at Council meetings, everyone would work together and remember that Councillors were here for the residents of Rushcliffe. He concluded by thanking Councillors and his guests for attending and to those watching remotely.