Mayor of Colchester
Cllr Jowers will hold the position of Mayor until May 2024.
The Mayor's theme this year is ‘Volunteers – the heart of our communities’.
His charities are: ·
During his mayoralty the Mayor will be Patron of a number of groups/associations, (details available on request).
Deputy Mayor is Councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell and Jessica Scott-Boutell is Deputy Mayoress.
The Mayor's role
The Mayor sits as non-political chairman of the Council. As such, he/she is unable to get involved in any matter or complaints regarding council business or procedures. The mayoralty is customarily awarded to the most senior councillor of one of the political groups, who take in turn. The nomination is only rarely challenged. Before becoming Mayor, he or she serves for a year as Deputy Mayor.
The annual ceremony of the installation of a new Mayor takes place each May, following the City Council elections. The Mayor's election takes place at the first meeting of the newly formed Council.
The Council, officers and members of the public gather in the Moot Hall, to welcome the incoming Mayor who takes the oath administered by the Chief Executive.
The Town Serjeant places chains of office on the shoulders of the incoming Mayor and their consort. The new Mayor's speech of acceptance usually indicates a theme for the year, reflected in the choice of charities he or she intends to actively support.
Throughout their mayoralty, the Mayor also attends a number of engagements held by organisations within the city. Invitations increase yearly, proof of the high value the office maintains within the community. Details of how to invite the Mayor to your event can be found here
The Civic Officer maintains the civic diary and regularly circulates the Mayor's engagements to the media.
The Mayor's Parlour is the Town Hall office where the Mayor works, as well as the reception suite for visitors. The city regalia is also displayed there and represents gifts to the town as well as items of the city's heritage.
Donate to the Mayor's charities
Donations to the Mayor’s Charities can be made in a number of ways.
- Cheque – please make cheques payable to ‘Grassroots (Mayor’s Charity Fund)’ and send to the Civic Office.
- Cash donations at the Town Hall (receipts available on request).
- Via BACS – details available on request from the Civic Office.
- Via Grassroots’ People’s Fundraising page. You must ensure you put the reference ‘Mayor’s Charity Fund’ in the comment, otherwise your donation will not be allocated correctly.
Page last reviewed: 25 May 2023