Agenda item

To receive the report of the Leader of the Council concerning the appointment of a new Honorary Recorder for Gloucester.

16.1    Councillor James, the Leader of the Council, moved the proposal contained within the report that Ian Lawrie QC be appointed Honorary Recorder. He outlined the position of Honorary Recorder and that it was a ceremonial office created to maintain and develop close links between councils and the judiciary. He also thanked the previous Honorary Recorder, Judge Jamie Tabor QC for his work and wished him well in his retirement.

16.2    Councillor Pullen stated that the Labour Group would support the proposal and he also thanked Judge Jamie Tabor QC for his work.

16.3    RESOLVED that:-

(1)   Judge Ian Lawrie QC be appointed to the role of Honorary Recorder for Gloucester during his tenure as Resident Judge at Gloucester Crown Court following the retirement of Judge Jamie Tabor QC.

(2)  The Council’s thanks to Judge Jamie Tabor QC be placed on record.

16.4    Judge Ian Lawrie QC was invited to make a speech in his new role of Honorary Recorder. He thanked Members for their unanimous approval of his nomination and stated that he would continue the good work of his predecessor.

16.5    He extended an invitation to all Members to visit Gloucester Crown Court. He further informed Council that Gloucester Crown Court was at the forefront of innovative approaches to justice such as its work on restorative justice and the fast tracking of cases involving domestic abuse.