GALLERY: East Cambs council chairman tells guests of the “life affirming passion and vigour” of the people he has met

The chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council has spoken of the “life affirming passion and vigour” of people he has met in his two years in office.

Councillor Tony Cornell was welcoming guests to his second, and final, reception as chairman before he steps down in May.

Cllr Cornell told guests at Friday’s reception – attended by civic heads from across Cambridgeshire- that it was with a “mixture of joy and sadness” that he welcomed them.

“I have had two wonderful years as chairman and today marks the beginning of my last few months in office,” he said.

Being chairman had been a “wonderful opportunity” to meet a wide variety of people and see other local authorities and community groups who had come together to help those in need.

“Despite financial challenges we face, we still make a positive difference to people’s lives,” he said. “It is life affirming to see the passion and vigour which drives everyone forward.”

Cllr Cornell said he had been particularly impressed by the work within the community of young people – as too had he been impressed by the “creative businesses in our area, entrepreneurs creating jobs and prosperity”.

He also dismissed claims by some that those in politics did so for their own gain and glory,

“I have met many who care passionately about people in their area and strive to make a difference,” he sad.

Cllr Cornell said that before becoming a councillor he had served as a church leader for 25 years for the non denominational Light House Christian fellowship.

“In whatever capacity I have served, for me it has engendered the same thing, a love for this whole area and its people. I personally believe God loves this area and its people- and so do I.”