Councillor Maudling was elected unanimously to the position at the council’s Annual General Meeting today (Thursday), and succeeds Councillor Joan Hully.
Councillor Maudling has served on Copeland Council since 2015; originally representing Harbour ward, and following a boundary review in 2019, now representing Whitehaven Central ward.
Felicity Wilson, Millom ward, will serve as Deputy Chair.
Councillor Maudling said: “It is a privilege and honour to be elected Chair of Copeland Council. I would like to thank all the Councillors and the Mayor for electing me.
“This is the first time an independent Councillor has had this honour, and I am humbled.
“Of course we are facing challenges – with the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown restrictions and the need to have virtual council meetings – but it is a challenge I will rise to with the help of our Councillors and officers; I look forward to working with them all.”
Outgoing Chair, Councillor Hully, said: “I have had fantastic support from fellow Councillors and council officers, and I would like to thank all those who are keeping the community safe and are working hard to enable this beautiful part of the country to get through this pandemic.