Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

The Mayor

The Mayor for 2009-10 is Councillor Paul Kirton. The Mayoress is Mrs Mary Kirton; the Deputy Mayor is Councillor Colin Leckonby and the Deputy Mayoress is Mrs Marjorie Leckonby

The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees is the first citizen of the Borough and speaks on behalf of the area and its community. The Mayor is also a member of the Council elected by fellow Councillors. The Mayor's term of office is one year, with elections taking place at the Annual Meeting of the Council each spring. A Deputy Mayor is also elected to assist in civic duties and to take the Mayor's place when the Mayor is not available.

Both the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor choose a Mayoress (or, in the case of a female Mayor, a Consort) to support them in their duties.

Civic Duties:- As first citizen, the Mayor acts as Chair of the regular meetings of the full Council and holds a casting vote at these meetings.

The Mayor receives many invitations to events and occasions throughout the Borough and will attend literally hundreds of these during the year. He or she welcomes royal visitors to the Borough and is often called upon to greet other visitors at the request of schools or other organisations.

The Mayor attends a number of annual functions, including the Annual Meeting and Installation, an annual community prayer service (Mayor's Sunday) and the annual civic ball (which raises money for charity). The Mayor takes a formal salute at parades to mark the Battle of Britain and Remembrance Sunday.

Councillor Kirton intends to create a Mayor's Benevolent Fund to support organisations for older people and encourage young people to enjoy the outdoors.

If you would like to invite the Mayor to an event that is being held, please see the document "How to invite the Mayor to your event" in the Additional Resources section.