Stede Broec welcomes new council after emotional farewell to long-serving members
Stede Broec has ushered in a new municipal council after bidding farewell to 12 experienced councillors, including an alderman. Their decades of service were celebrated, with some receiving royal and municipal honours, as the new team takes over to shape the future of the community.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Stede Broec |
| Departing councillors | 12 out of 19 |
| New council installed | 1 April 2026 |
| Honours awarded | Peter Raven (Royal honour), Trudi Bakker-Rood (municipal badge), Anton Wildoër (municipal badge) |
| Departing alderman | Philippe van Ham (VVD) |
| Areas of contribution | Social Support, Youth Care, Education, Public Health, Animal Welfare |
| Source for more info | stedebroec.raadsinformatie.nl |
The municipality of Stede Broec is responsible for local governance, including policy-making on spatial development, finances, and social services. The municipal council plays a crucial role in representing residents' interests and overseeing the executive board's work.
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Stede Broec bids farewell to experienced councillors and installs new municipal council
With the end of the 2022–2026 council term, the municipality said goodbye on Monday evening, 30 March, to several dedicated and experienced councillors. During the farewell council meeting, their commitment and contributions to local democracy were extensively acknowledged. In total, 12 of the 19 councillors stepped down. On Wednesday, 1 April, the new council was officially installed, marking the start of a new administrative term. From that moment on, the new councillors have been working to represent the interests of residents and further develop the municipality.
Councillors with a passion for the community
The departing councillors have, in many cases for decades, wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to Stede Broec. They were active in various committees and played a key role in decision-making on issues such as spatial development, finances, care, and quality of life. Outside the council chamber, they were often involved as volunteers, board members, or professionals in a wide range of social organisations, from healthcare and education to sports clubs.
Recognition for years of service
Several departing councillors received special recognition for their long-standing dedication. Peter Raven (GBS) was awarded a Royal honour for his many years of commitment, during which he served both as a councillor and committee member, and in his final term acted as a mentor, including serving as vice-chair. Trudi Bakker-Rood (CDA) received a municipal honorary badge. She stepped down in 2025 due to health reasons. Anton Wildoër (CDA) was also honoured with a municipal badge for his many years of service, first as a committee member and since 2014 as a councillor.
Farewell to alderman Philippe van Ham
The council also paid tribute to the departure of alderman Philippe van Ham (VVD), who over the past two years made significant contributions in the areas of Social Support Act & Youth Care, Education, Participation, Work & Income, Integration of status holders, Well-being, Public Health, Animal Welfare, and Sheltered Housing/Protected Living. Until a new executive board is appointed, his duties are being covered by the other board members. The distribution of these tasks can be read [here]. His broad expertise and dedication in both policy and administrative matters were highly valued by the council and board.
Gratitude and a look to the future
The municipal executive expresses great appreciation for the dedication, expertise, and commitment of all departing councillors, who have visibly contributed to the development of Stede Broec. At the same time, we look ahead with confidence to the new municipal council, which will build on the work of its predecessors and work towards a strong, future-proof, and liveable municipality.
More information
Would you like to learn more about the work of the municipal council, read the meeting reports, or review previous decisions? Visit stedebroec.raadsinformatie.nl.