New Lord Mayor of Chester to focus on Inclusivity

The new Lord Mayor of Chester’s theme for his civic year will be Inclusivity.

Councillor Martyn Delaney was invested as Lord Mayor of Chester at a social distanced ceremony at Chester Town Hall last Friday.

In a speech following his inauguration Councillor Delaney acknowledged the huge impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on Chester.

Speaking  of the city’s recovery he said, “We now embark on a difficult journey to transform societies and economies towards ecological sustainability and we have an opportunity to break the cycle of disadvantage by protecting the vulnerable. For me,  inclusivity is about reaching out to all and not being judgemental, not labelling or categorising but about promoting equality of opportunity.”

 “The Lord Mayor’s Charity will be supporting three local organisations which I believe have a positive impact on those disproportionately affected by the pandemic, namely; Chapter Mental Health, the Deafness Support Network and The Hospice of the Good Shepherd.”

Councillor Delaney thanked the Reverend Jonathan Phillips, from St Peters Church, for kindly agreeing to take on the role of Chaplain to the Lord Mayor.

Councillor Delaney went on to say, “Along with Lady Mayoress, Carol Berry, I will look to promote the health and welfare of the citizens and visitors of Chester, support the educational establishments, businesses and commercial enterprises of Chester and take every opportunity to promote this city as a place to live, visit and work”.

The new Sheriff of Chester,  an office that dates back to 1121, will be taken up by  Councillor Jill Houlbrook, who said, “I am delighted to take up the role, especially in this important year when it has been 900 years since the first recorded City Sheriff of Chester. I’m looking forward to the exciting year ahead”.

The new Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor John Leather, said,  “I am honoured to accept the role of Deputy Lord Mayor in the coming civic year and will actively promote the city and residents of Chester as well as offering support to the incoming Lord Mayor and Sheriff”.

Pictured - L to R - Sheriff of Chester, Councillor Jill Houlbrook, Lord Mayor of Chester Councillor Delaney, Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Leather.
(Photo Credit - Nick Jones)