About the Mayor

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane for 2026/27 is Cllr Jacky Tustain.

Mayor's biography

Jacky has spent most of her life in Basingstoke, moving to Old Basing at the age of five before settling in Brookvale, where she grew up. As the eldest of a family of seven with a limited income, she gained a direct insight into the challenges many households face, shaping her values and perspective.

As a child, she was an avid reader, spending hours in the library, and also enjoyed exploring Basingstoke’s history, sparking an interest in the town’s heritage and evolving landscape. In adulthood, she has lived in several parts of the town, ultimately making Popley her family’s home for over half her adult life.

Jacky went to Bishop Challoner School and then Queen Mary’s College. After college, she began her working life in retail management for WH Smith. She later moved into the IT sector, working in both technical and project management roles, and spent 17 years at the AA before the birth of her youngest son.

Jacky’s community involvement began at school, where she participated in events and church activities. This continued into adulthood through a wide range of voluntary roles, including leading children’s church groups, supporting community groups, and serving as a school governor.

Jacky is currently a trustee of Basingstoke & District Disability Forum, Basingstoke Charities, Basingstoke Mencap, Loddon Social Enterprise and Popley Fields Community Association. Her responsibilities include governance, safeguarding and organisational oversight.

Family is central to Jacky’s life. She has raised four sons, including an adult son with learning disabilities, and has two granddaughters. Her direct experience motivates her sustained commitment to disability-related community work and dedication to equality and equity for everyone.

In her spare time, Jacky enjoys time with her family. She also attends live music events and takes part in activities that support her health. She values learning and personal growth, and has developed new skills over the years, including beekeeping, massage, coaching, and photography. Physical and mental wellbeing are a particular focus for her mayoral year, reflecting her long‑standing interest in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle, which she believes is important for all.

The Deputy Mayor

The Mayor asks the Deputy Mayor to stand in if the Mayor is not available. The Deputy Mayor for 2026 to 2027 is Cllr Sajish Tom.