The Mayor of Lewes
Each year the council elects one of its members as its Chair, who becomes the Town Mayor of Lewes, as well as a Vice Chair, who serves as Deputy Town Mayor.
The Mayor is elected by the members of Lewes Town Council at the Annual Council Meeting which takes place in May (also known as Mayor-Making) and takes the office of Mayor for one year.
The Deputy Mayor will substitute for the Mayor when they are not available, both to chair council meetings and attend events.
- The Mayor for 2024 to 2025 is Councillor Imogen Makepeace.
- The Deputy Mayor for 2024 to 2025 is Councillor Emily Clarke.
- The Second Deputy Mayor for 2024 to 2025 is Councillor Nicky Blackwell.
- The Council Chaplain is Reverend Ben Brown.
The role of the Mayor
The role of Mayor is a symbolic one, and it is only as chair of council that the Mayor has statutory influence. However, other duties which the Mayor may carry out include:
- Organising events to raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen good cause
- Acting as host on behalf of the Town Council at functions organised by the Town Council, representing the Town Council during royal visits to the town
- Attending functions within Lewes, or on occasions outside the town as a ceremonial representative of the Town Council, and undertaking official openings or presentations within Lewes on behalf of the Town Council
Invite the Mayor to your function
The Mayor attends a variety of events throughout the year in and around Lewes. Events range from business openings to award presentations.
The Mayor is happy to attend events in Lewes. Arrangements for Mayoral visits can be requested through the Civic Officer.
To request the Mayor’s presence at your event, please fill in the Mayoral Engagement Form.
A paper copy is available on request. If you would like more information about the Mayor attending your event, please contact the Civic Officer:
- by telephone on 01273 471469
- by email to [email protected]
- in writing, addressed to the Civic Officer, Town Hall, High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2QS
The Mayor’s activities
The Mayor of Lewes’ activities, highlighting their attendance at events and showcasing the many activities they participate in is summarised in the Chair’s report to Full Council, and their recent activities are updated to the Communication and Enagement Committee when it meets
How to address the Mayor
The full correct description on letters and envelopes is: The Mayor of Lewes, Councillor Firstname Lastname. A letter should start with “Dear Mr/Madam Mayor”.
When greeting the Mayor it is correct to say, for example: “Good evening Mr/Madam Mayor”.
In speeches, one would say, for example, “We are pleased to have with us the Mayor of Lewes, Councillor Firstname Lastname”. In the preamble to a speech being made in the town one would say “Mr/Madam Mayor”. If it is the host who is making the speech, he/she would refer to the Mayor first in the preamble unless a member of the Royal Family is present.
Unless they are chairing, the Mayor should be seated on the immediate right of the Chairman or host at any function in the town. If other dignitaries are invited, such as the Lord Lieutenant or High Sheriff of East Sussex, Chair of Lewes District Council, please seek advice from Town Council officers on the correct protocol.
How to address the Deputy Mayor
The correct description on letters and envelopes is: The Deputy Mayor of Lewes, Councillor Firstname Lastname, or more simply “The Deputy Mayor”. If the Deputy Mayor is present without the Mayor and is representing them, then they have the same precedence as the Mayor would have if they were present.
In speeches, one would say “We are pleased to have with us, The Deputy Mayor of Lewes, Councillor Firstname Lastname”. At the commencement of the speech they would be referred to as Deputy Mayor though later in the speech for simplicity they could be referred to as Deputy.
If both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are present the Deputy ranks immediately after the Mayor.
