Congleton Elects a New Mayor

Former deputy town mayor, Cllr Kay Wesley, has been elected as the new mayor of Congleton during a prestigious Mayor Making ceremony held at the Annual Council Meeting on Thursday 16 May in the Town Hall. Cllr Wesley, appointed for the coming year until May 2025, succeeds Cllr Rob Moreton in this esteemed position. Additionally, Congleton Town Councillors voted Cllr Robert Brittain to serve as the deputy mayor, with his wife, Susan, appointed as the deputy mayoress.

Expressing her gratitude at the traditional ceremony, Cllr Wesley said: “Thank you to my fellow councillors for putting your trust in me and voting for me as mayor. It is a massive honour and I feel very privileged to be elected. I will do my absolute best to be a good ambassador for this wonderful town. When I first came to Congleton in 1985, I never thought for a moment that I would ever become a town councillor, let alone the mayor! But I have loved being a councillor, since 2019 and it is a pleasure to serve our community. As many people know, I am passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusion. These aren't just buzzwords to me; they are guiding principles that shape how I go about things. As mayor, I promise that I will ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and valued so that collectively as a town council we can make the best possible decisions for Congleton and our residents.

Cllr Wesley continued: “I am looking forward to a busy year in office. The War Memorial Hospital turns 100 this month, and my first major event as mayor is the picnic in the park on Bank Holiday Monday 27 May. Everyone is invited to celebrate this monumental birthday.”

During the proceedings, Cllr Wesley named her three charities for the year. Cllr Wesley said: “I’m delighted to be able to support myCWA, a Cheshire based charity that offers support to anyone affected by domestic abuse”.

“Congleton Pride is my second charity. Congleton Pride is so much more than an annual event, it is an amazing team who are working all year to make Congleton a more welcoming and inclusive place.

“Last but not least, Congleton-based Ruby’s, an award-winning charity supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and their families.”

As part of the formalities, Cllr Wesley welcomed her husband Mike Wesley to accompany her as consort throughout the mayoral year and introduced her cadet, Barney Mitcheson from the Titan Explorer Scouts. Cllr Wesley said: “Barney is a remarkable young man, he is a Young Leader in the Scouts, a Duke of Edinburgh Gold award winner, an accomplished pianist, a competitive swimmer, and swimming teacher to disabled children. I look forward to enjoying lots of community events with him.”

Local groups and organisations are invited to participate in the Mayor’s Civic Service and Parade on Sunday 2 June 2024. The parade will gather from 2pm at Antrobus Street Car Park, to set off at 2.15pm to arrive at the Town Hall for a 2.30pm service, expected to finish by 4pm. The special occasion will be more inclusive and a celebration of everyone in Congleton who supports the community and the town.

For further information contact Debbie Coxon on 01260 270350 (ext 4) or email: mayor@congleton-tc.gov.uk