Town Mayor

The Mayor of Knutsford (Town Mayor) is elected annually from amongst the councillors at the Annual Town Council meeting in May (also called the Mayor Making). The Mayor serves as both Chairman of the Town Council and the ceremonial figurehead for Knutsford

The title Mayor of Knutsford was first established in the late 13th century when the town was granted a charter however it became extinct and little is known of the early  mayors; the title was revived in 1974 when the Town Council was formed.

THE ROLE OF THE TOWN MAYOR

As first citizen of Knutsford, the Town Mayor fulfils an ambassadorial and ceremonial role representing the town. The mayor is invited to attend around 150 events every year, ranging from opening fetes and new shops, attending community events and representing the town at events such as the North West in Bloom awards.

The Town Mayor also chairs meetings of the Full Council and by virtue of office may attend and vote at all council committee meetings.

Each year the Town Mayor also raises funds for chosen charities by hosting a number of community fundraising events and an annual Civic Ball.

Councillor Stewart Gardiner
Town Mayor 2020-21

COUNCILLOR STEWART GARDINER

Cllr Stewart Gardiner was elected Town Mayor in November 2020 and will serve an extended term of 18 months through to May 2022. Cllr Gardiner is supported by his husband Simon Hutchence, Mayor’s Consort; Cllr Mike Houghton, Deputy Town Mayor and Rev Paul Deakin, Mayor’s Chaplain.

I am very humbled that for the second time, during my twelve and a half years as a Knutsford Town Councillor my peers have elected me to be the Town Mayor an honour which is particularly touching because I am only a Knutsfordian by adoption. I have lived here now for 17 years; the Queen Street home I share with my now husband is the place where I have lived the longest and I never forget just how lucky I am to live in such a lovely place. I have said before it is not just the beauty of the environment that makes it so special but the inner beauty of the people who live here and the sense of community they help to engender in the Town.

During my tenure as Town Mayor I will be looking to raise money for two charities; the Knutsford Branch of the Royal British Legion and the Knutsford Branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

I also want to reprise something I was initially criticised for doing during my first term of office and that is to be a conduit between the Town Council and the wider community of the Town. Therefore, if you run a club, society, business, or community project and you think that you might benefit from the Mayor’s support or assistance from the Town Council please invite me in to see for myself.  Similarly, to schools, churches, and youth groups I would be happy to visit you all – to talk about the work of the Council and the role of the Mayor, to open your fete or draw a prize-raffle or even just to say hello.