Agenda item

Deputy Jamie Ingham Clark spoke to introduce a resolution of thanks to Michael Welbank, who had recently retired from the Court. Prior to delivering the formal resolution, he spoke informally to reference some of Mr Welbanks’ personal and professional achievements, including those elements of his career which had taken place outside of the United Kingdom.

Resolved unanimously – That, on his retirement from this Honourable Court, Members wish to place on record their most sincere thanks to:-

John Michael Welbank, M.B.E.

his dedication to the work of the City Corporation since his election in 2005.

Over the past 13 years, Michael has served on more than 20 committees and contributed an enormous amount of time to our activities. Foremost amongst his achievements are his incredibly successful chairmanships, including of the Hampstead Heath Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park Committee, where he skilfully guided the City Corporation through the murky waters of the Hampstead Heath ponds project. Thanks to his valiant efforts, the only floods we need fear now are the floods of tears from disappointed officers and Members, who will miss his sage counsel.

It would be remiss of me not to also mention his Chairmanship of the Planning & Transportation Committee, during which time he championed the issue of road danger reduction – and he will leave a real and lasting legacy in the City through the Bank Junction safety scheme, of which he was a passionate advocate.

Michael’s civic career culminated in his becoming Chief Commoner in 2016 and those of us on this Court owe him a debt of gratitude for the charismatic, approachable, and above all good-humoured way in which he led us during his term of office. He was also honoured to be awarded an MBE, for which this Court has already congratulated him.

In taking their leave of Michael, Members wish to thank him for his exceptional service to this Court: his passion, dedication and jovial spirit will be sorely missed.  We wish Michael a long and happy retirement and send our best wishes to him in his future adventures.