Meet the new Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees

Former Council Leader, Councillor Bob Cook, has been officially confirmed as the new Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees. 

He was installed at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Annual General Meeting (AGM) today (April 1), replacing the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Stephen Richardson.

The Norton South Councillor has lived in Norton for more than 50 years and was first elected to Stockton District Council in 1987. 

Following the formation of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, he served as Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport from 2000 until 2011.

He was then Leader of the authority from 2011 until stepping down and becoming Deputy Mayor last year.

In his Mayoral year, Councillor Cook's wife, Sandra, will be the Mayoress. Together they have two children and four grandchildren.

A keen follower of sports, he has a season ticket at Middlesbrough FC and also enjoys theatre and films.

The Mayor's chosen charities for this year are NeoAngels and Autism Matters.

He said: "I am really looking forward to the year ahead and in particular getting out around the Borough to meet the fantastic members of the community, such as schools, charities and groups.

"I chose both charities as they provide vital help and are really worthy causes. NeoAngels do an incredible job supporting the families of babies born prematurely on Teesside. And Autism Matters is an amazing initiative which helps young adults with autism gain work experience and enjoy social events." 

This year's Deputy Mayor will be Councillor Marilyn Surtees, who represents the Newtown ward. The Deputy Mayor's Consort will be her grandson Charlie Hope-Smith.

The retiring Mayor, Councillor Stephen Richardson raised £20,054.84 for each of his chosen charities, the Moses Project and Butterwick Hospice.