§ 9 (1) There shall be a chairman and vicechairman of a subgroup appointed by the council from among the political members.
§ (2) In making appointments under subparagraph (1), the council shall ensure that, so far as practicable—
- (a) the office of chairman and vicechairman are at all times held by members of different political parties;
- (b) a person is appointed to the office of chairman or vicechairman for a term of 12 months at a time or, where that period is shorter than 12 months, for a period ending with the date of the local general election next following his appointment;
- (c) the office of chairman is held in turn by each of the four largest parties represented on the council immediately after the last local general election;
- (d) the office of chairman is not held by a person who is a member of the same political party as a person who holds the office of chairman of another subgroup.
§ (3) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a person shall hold and vacate office as chairman or vicechairman in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
§ (4) A person may at any time resign as chairman or vicechairman by notice in writing to the council.
§ (5) If the chairman or vicechairman ceases to be a member of the subgroup, he shall also cease to hold office as chairman or vicechairman.