Role of the Mayor

Each year in May, a long-serving councillor is appointed as the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane for a one-year term.

The Mayor is the borough’s First Citizen. At borough events, only His Majesty The King, members of the Royal Family and the Lord-Lieutenant take precedence over the Mayor.

The Mayor’s formal title is The Worshipful the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.

The title of Mayoress has no official status and is purely honorary. It may be given to the Mayor’s wife, daughter, friend or another chosen companion. If the Mayor is female, she is still referred to as the Mayor, while her husband is known as the Mayor’s Consort. If the Mayor is unmarried, the official accompanying person is known as the Mayor’s Escort.

The Deputy Mayor supports the Mayor by deputising for them and representing them at official engagements.

Mayor

The Mayor acts as the borough’s civic and ceremonial representative and undertakes a range of important duties throughout the year, including:

• presiding over meetings of the Full Council
• representing Basingstoke and Deane at civic, ceremonial and community events
• promoting the borough and supporting local organisations and charities
• hosting official visitors and dignitaries
• encouraging community spirit and recognising local achievements
• supporting fundraising activities for the Mayor’s chosen charities

Deputy Mayor

The Deputy Mayor supports the Mayor throughout the civic year by:

• deputising for the Mayor at official engagements and events
• attending community and ceremonial functions on the Mayor’s behalf
• assisting with civic duties and responsibilities when required

Mayor’s civic role

The Mayor attends a wide range of functions and events across the borough of Basingstoke and Deane. These include formal dinners, official openings, community events, visits to schools, and meetings with local clubs and societies. The Mayor also welcomes organisations and groups to the Mayor’s Parlour and is always pleased to receive requests for visits.

In a non-political role, the Mayor works to promote and support the interests of the borough whenever appropriate opportunities arise.

The Mayor also acts as host to distinguished visitors to the borough, including members of the Royal Family, national representatives of organisations and international visitors, particularly those from the borough’s twin towns.

If the Mayor is unavailable, the Deputy Mayor may attend engagements on the Mayor’s behalf.

If you would like to invite the Mayor to attend a function or event, please complete the following:

Request for Mayor's attendance

Civic occasions

On formal civic occasions, the Mayor wears the traditional Mayoral robes and the chain of office. These occasions include:

• the annual meeting of the Council
• Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday services
• Civic Sunday
• Armed Forces Day
• Holocaust Memorial Day
• Freedom of the Borough ceremonies

Whenever the Mayoral robes are worn, the Macebearer accompanies the Mayor. The chain of office may also be worn without robes at other engagements within the borough.

Mayor’s Spiritual Advisor and Multi-Denomination Representatives

The Mayor’s Spiritual Advisor(s) are chosen by the Mayor and hold an honorary role. The Mayor may also appoint alternative Multi-Denomination Representatives throughout the mayoral year.

The Spiritual Advisor attends civic functions and ceremonial occasions, such as Remembrance Day services and events where the Mayor wears the Mayoral robes. Responsibilities may include:

• leading prayers before council meetings
• saying Grace at civic cinners and other formal occasions when requested
• providing support during civic and ceremonial events throughout the municipal year

The role of the Multi-Denomination Representative is to provide spiritual guidance and support to the Mayor when required. They may also:

• assist in organising civic services
• contribute to civic occasions and ceremonies
• prepare prayers, readings or reflections for council meetings
• attend events and services alongside the Mayor

At civic events, the Representative is usually seated near the Mayor.

The Multi-Denomination Representative also acts as an important link between the Mayor and local religious and faith communities, offering guidance on matters relating to faith and belief. As the borough is made up of people from many different backgrounds and beliefs, the role helps promote understanding, inclusivity and respect across the community.

By attending services and events from different faiths and traditions, the Representative supports the Mayor in demonstrating respect for freedom of worship and representing all residents of the borough. The role therefore plays an important part in helping the Mayor engage with and support all sections of the community.

Twinning

Basingstoke and Deane is twinned with three towns in Europe:

• Alencon in France
• Braine-l’Alleud in Belgium
• Euskirchen in Germany

Visit our twinning pages for more information on our three twinned towns.

The Mayor's role is:

• to lead a Civic party to visit our twin towns when invited
• to host receptions as appropriate whenever twinning visitors are in Basingstoke