The council held its virtual annual meeting last Wednesday (July 22) where members elected their town mayor and deputy town mayor for the ensuing civic year.
Cllr Paul Ward nominated Cllr Johnson as mayor for her second term as she would work diligently for the good of the town, he said.
He said that when lockdown was imposed the pannier market, town hall and Butchers Hall were closed and other property owned by the town council affected and as a result the council’s financial position had changed ’radically’.
‘However, we all know that behind the scenes, quietly and diligently, you have worked tirelessly with the clerk [Carl Hearn] and with others to support the work of this council during this difficult period. Unusually but not unprecedented, you were asked to serve a second consecutive term.’
Cllr Ward said that this would be Cllr Johnson’s fourth year as mayor of Tavistock, a ‘remarkable achievement that has been achieved by very few’ predecessors.
‘We face great challenges so the council needs an experienced hand to guide it. Nobody knows Tavistock better than you do, you know its people, you know its history, you know everything about it. It’s not going to be an easy year but I know that the council is in good hands with you as our leader.’
Cllr Johnson said she was honoured to be asked to hold the post once again.
‘It’s a huge honour and a massive privilege to be town mayor of Tavistock, the town where I was born. I would like to thank the members for their support and the staff of Tavistock Town Council.’
She also expressed thanks for the support of her family and her consort Paul Johnson.
‘Tavistock faces many challenges as a result of Covid-19. Tavistock Town Council has lost its commercial income and will find it hard to rebuild.
‘As a town council we will need to work together to find a solution in these difficult circumstances and it’s now as important as ever to support the town and the shops, our pannier market and our residents.
‘I am sure we will get through this. It’s going to take a lot of work, it’s going to cause debate but hopefully we will get through it and with the support of our good staff and our partners, we should do.’
Cllr Ursula Mann nominated Cllr Andy Hutton as deputy mayor for the second term.
She said: ’Since I joined the council, Cllr Hutton has shown himself to be a really strong chairman, able to face even the most difficult issues with a straight forward approach.
‘I have been impressed with the hours of commitment and my respect for Cllr Hutton has only increased since I began working with him.
‘I hope he will continue to prove an excellent advocate for Tavistock in these difficult circumstances.’
Cllr Hutton thanked everyone for their kind words and for nominating him as deputy town mayor.
The nominations were supported by councillors.