Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alan Armitage, Tony Brett, Jim Campbell, Colin Cook, James Fry, Sam Hollick, Rae Humberstone, Graham Jones, Helen O’Hara, Gwynneth Royce, Craig Simmons and Ed Turner.

Council is reminded that a member of the Executive may not be elected as Lord Mayor.

Councillor Bob Price proposed and Councillor John Goddard seconded, that there being no other nominations, Council resolved that Councillor Mohammed Niaz Abbasi be elected as Lord Mayor of Oxford for the remainder of the Council Year 2012/13.

Councillor Abbasi took the Chair and then made and subscribed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Council also resolved to place on record Council's concern and regret over the remarks alleged to have been made by the former Lord Mayor, Councillor Alan Armitage to a member of a girls' under 13 sports team, and that Council's concern and regret be conveyed to the sports team member and her family.

In the event that the Deputy Lord Mayor is elected Lord Mayor, Council will need to receive his resignation as Deputy Lord Mayor and thereupon appoint another member to the position of Deputy Lord Mayor.

A member of the Executive may not be appointed as Deputy Lord Mayor.

Councillor David Williams proposed and Councillor Mohammad Altaf-Khan seconded, and there being no other nominations, Council resolved that Councillor Elise Benjamin be elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford for the remainder of the Council Year 2012/13.

Councillor Benjamin then made and subscribed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.