Cllr Kay Wesley has been elected as the new Mayor of Congleton for the 2024/25 council year.

The former deputy town Mayor succeeds Cllr Rob Moreton, after being voted in by fellow councillors at the Town Hall on 16 May. 

Cllr Robert Brittain will serve as the deputy mayor, with his wife, Susan as the deputy mayoress.

Cllr Wesley said the election was "a massive honour", and that she felt "very privileged" to be elected. 

She will be accompanied by Mike Wesley, who will be the Mayor's consort, and Barney Mitcheson, who will be the Mayor's cadet. 

Speaking of Mr Mitcheson the cadet, 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."

Cllr Kay Wesley, Barney Mitcheson (Mayor's cadet) and Mike Wesley (Mayor's consort) (Image - Congleton Town Council)

The Mayor's three charities for the year are myCWA (a charity supporting those affected by domestic abuse), Congleton Pride, and Ruby's (a local SEND charity). 

One of the mayor's first civic ceremonies will be the 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. 

Speaking more generally of her election as Mayor, Cllr Wesley said: "Thank you to my fellow councillors for putting your trust in me and voting for me as mayor. [...] I will do my absolute best to be a good ambassador for this wonderful town. 

On the right is Cllr Robert Brittain and his wife Susan, who will serve as deputy Mayor and deputy Mayoress respectively (Image - Congleton Town Council)

"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.

"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."