HISTORY was made this week as a new unitary council met for the first time.

Cumberland Council, a new unitary authority set to govern in Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland, met for the first time on Tuesday.

The new council is meeting as a Shadow Authority initially, making key decisions on its policy, constitution and allowance schemes to prepare for Vesting Day on April 1, 2023.

Vesting Day will be the date that Cumberland takes full control as the single responsible authority in the area, Cumbria County Council, the city council and borough councils will be abolished from this point.

As well as appointing Councillor Mark Fryer as leader and hearing the names of his cabinet, the Shadow Authority’s first meeting saw councillors agree a Code of Conduct, constitution and draft implementation plan.

Current chief executive of Allerdale Borough Council Andrew Seekings was approved by councillors for the role of interim CEO on the new authority.

READ MORE: Allerdale Council CEO recommended for top job at Cumberland Council

Cumbria County Council monitoring officer Catherine Parkinson was approved for the role on the new authority.

Chief finance officer for the county Pam Duke was recommended for the same role on the new authority and councillors approved.

READ MORE: Leader and cabinet selected at historic first Cumberland Council meeting

Elected member for Maryport North Carni McCarron-Holmes was selected as chairperson for the new authority’s meetings.

The Labour councillor said: "Before we carry on to the other items of the agenda, I just wish to thank you for bestowing on me, this honour of becoming the first chairperson for the new Cumberland unitary authority.

"It’s made me feel a bit emotional. The responsibilities placed upon all of us are vast, as is the area we now cover.

"But as I look around the chamber, I feel heartened that with the member experience in this room, coupled with the professionalism of our officers, this new authority will drive the area forward for the benefit of our taxpayers and all of our stakeholders."

Leader of the council’s Conservative group, Mike Johnson proposed John Mallinson for the role of vice chairman.

He said: "I’m pleased to be the first person to address you as chair. In the spirit of existing sovereign councils where we’ve made chair and vice chair apolitical, I would like to see that this council continues on that basis and therefore I propose Cllr John Mallinson as vice chair."

However, the Labour group proposed Belle Vue’s Abdul Harid for the role of vice chair.

A vote was called and as the largest majority group on the council, Labour were successful in appointing Cllr Harid as vice chair.

As chair and vice chair, Cllr McCarron Holmes and Cllr Harid will lead Cumberland Council’s meetings, keeping order and ensuring everyone gets the chance to speak.