The new Mayor of Shrewsbury has been elected for the remainder of the Civic year until May 2021.
In a change from the usual Civic format, Councillor Gwen Burgess was officially sworn in as Mayor at the Full Council meeting of Shrewsbury Town Council last night. [MON]
With Coronavirus restrictions imposed in March, the annual Mayor Making ceremony had to be postponed in May, with the incumbent Mayor agreeing to continue for a further six months.
The meeting, held virtually on Teams, made history when the usual Civic event was replaced with a less formal handover of the Mayoralty and saw Councillor Burgess take over the role as civic leader from outgoing Mayor, Councillor Phil Gillam.
Councillor Burgess said her main aim as Mayor is to promote the wonderful and varied businesses and charities in Shrewsbury.
She said: “I am honoured to accept this distinguished office and am going to do my utmost to honour the privilege of being the first citizen of Shrewsbury. I am looking forward to the next eighteen months and will do everything I can to fly the flag for Shrewsbury.”
She will be accompanied by her partner, Mark, who will perform the role of Mayor Consort.
She also took the opportunity to thank former Mayor, Phil Gillam and the Mayoress Carol, for the work they had done for the town over the last eighteen months.
“Whilst the circumstances have been difficult over the course of the last eighteen months, Phil and Carol have done a tremendous job of representing Shrewsbury during his term of office. It is now my responsibility to carry on the tradition of highlighting the fabulous town we have here both within our community and beyond.”
The incoming Mayor also outlined her fundraising plans for the year.
“During my Mayoral year, I will be supporting Lingen Davies, a charity which has been funding projects to improve cancer services in Shropshire, Telford and Mid Wales for nearly 40 years.
“The charity has contributed around £18million to improve cancer services in the local area and more than 75,000 people have had their cancer and care improved through the impact of the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.
“Whilst the main focus has been to provide equipment to support cancer treatment, the charity is now also working to help people prevent cancer, encourage them to seek treatment earlier, and support people to live their lives well, during and after treatment.
She added: “There will be a range of interesting fundraising events over the course of the next eighteen months, which I hope the people of Shrewsbury will help to support.”
Councillor Burgess is expected to continue in post for the remainder of the 2021/22 Civic year for a full Mayoral term.
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