'He steered us through some very choppy waters' - Walsall councillors pay tribute to ‘exceptional’ outgoing director
Councillors in Walsall have paid heartfelt tributes to an outgoing officer at the authority, Tony Cox.
Mr Cox has served as the Monitoring Officer and Director of Governance at Walsall Council, a post responsible for ensuring the council’s decisions are lawful and that councillors follow the code of conduct.
Mr Cox has worked for the council for over 21 years, 15 of them as monitoring officer.
At this final council meeting on June 10 before taking up his new role at Birmingham City Council, members praised him for his legal expertise, unwavering integrity and for being calm under pressure.
Leader of the council, Councillor Mike Bird, said: “Tony Cox has been an exceptional monitoring officer.
“Genuinely, you’ve been a great asset to this council and steered us through some very choppy waters at times. It has to go on record, the thanks of this council to you and for the hours you put in.
“Because of Tony’s stewardship, we now have some new democratic services officers who have been mentored by Tony.”
Leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Matt Ward, said: “Tony going to Birmingham will be a loss.
“Since I’ve been on this council, Tony has always been somebody I can go to with a problem, and I know I’ll get an honest opinion of what I can do. On behalf of our group, thank you for working for this council.”
Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Aftab Nawaz, said: “It’s a sad day to see Tony leave. He’s one of the best officers that I’ve come across over my years at Walsall.
“The great services he has given to this authority cannot be underestimated. He’s always answering questions from me and no question is stupid enough. He’s always had the best of Walsall in his heart and wanted to do the best for Walsall.
“He’s built a team around him who, in my view, are amongst the best democratic officers we’ve ever had in this authority.
“You’re going to be a huge loss to this authority. We really appreciate what you’ve done, not only for us but the people of Walsall.”
Former Mayor, Councillor Anthony Harris, said: “Some 20 odd years ago I met Tony, several times he’s kept me out of the nick through his skills and ingenuity.
“His skills are renowned, his integrity goes without saying, his kindness is so basic and true.
“Birmingham are skint, they’re going to need every skill that you’ve got. I’m looking forward to when you come back and we will welcome you with open arms.”
Mr Cox responded: “It’s been a real honour and a privilege to serve the council and the residents of Walsall for over 21 years. I’ve enjoyed every minute.
“I have also been supported over the years, and I don’t underestimate this, by great teams and great colleagues, because nobody can do this job on their own.
“I also like to thank all of the members, past and present, for all of the support you have given me over the years. I wish all the members, all the residents and the council itself, every success in the future.”
At the meeting it was also announced that Edwina Adefehinti will be appointed as Interim Monitoring Officer, pending the conclusion of a permanent recruitment process.
