Westbury has a new mayoral team for the year ahead, with Councillor Carole King named as town mayor and Councillor Mike Sutton named as her deputy.
Cllr King became mayor at the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday 5th May, having served on the town council for one year and previously on Wiltshire Council for six years.
“What truly makes the role such a pleasure is the people of Westbury,” said Cllr King. “I have lived here since 1985 and have always found it to be a friendly and welcoming place, with a wealth of activities to get involved in and a range of shops and cafes that more than meet my simple needs and wants.
“Representing our town as mayor is a tremendous honour – and, if I’m honest, a little daunting! I don’t pretend to know everything about Westbury, and there may be times when I get things wrong. But I do promise to listen, to learn, and to speak up for what our town fairly deserves.
“Please do let us know about any issues you may be facing, and don’t hesitate to attend town council meetings – or the Area Board – if you would like to better understand how decisions are made. It is, after all, your town and your future.”
Cllr King said it is “quite unusual” to be selected as mayor after serving on the town council for just one year.
“I am discovering that every town in Wiltshire has its own way of selecting its mayor,” she said. “For some, it is based on length of service; for others, on commitment, activity and hard work; and occasionally, on political balance.
“Over the past year there has been a great deal to learn. This has included getting to know new members of staff and understanding their roles, understanding the transfer of services and responsibilities from Wiltshire Council (known as the Asset Transfer), and grappling with the complexities of both short and long-term planning for the future needs of our town.”
Cllr Sutton has previously served as town mayor for three terms and as deputy mayor for two terms.
The mayoral duties include being chair of the town council, attending civic events, raising the profile of the local community and the town council, promoting public involvement in the town council’s activities and raising money for their chosen charities.
Pictured: Mayor Carole King and Deputy Mayor Mike Sutton
