3 October - Maybe the multi-skilled Mayor needs a better Abacus
After featuring the Mayor of Bexley on these pages
twice in a week someone suggested I look at the
Erith North Heath News Facebook page
to see what was being said about her there. As is the norm with Facebook there
were some intelligent questions followed by silly answers. Some
commentators didn’t know the difference between (mainly) Ceremonial Mayors in the London boroughs
and the political Mayor of London. Boris Johnson was criticised for closing fire
stations and police stations when the facts are that Boris reduced fire cover
when the incidence of fires was falling; fewer smokers and fire retardant
furniture etc, and Sadiq Khan closed police stations while the crime rate was rising.
Someone complained that (NOT) Johnson’s closures saw the
police Custody Suite moved from
Bexleyheath to Plumstead when the truth is very different.
The Bexleyheath Suite was refurbished and
reopened in 2020.
Plumstead was just a temporary measure while the builders were busy.
Perhaps the most interesting thing was the Mayor’s own contribution to the
thread. For those sceptical of the need for a Mayor it is worth a read
The role of Mayor is a historic one - all London boroughs have one as do all
Districts in Kent and this is mirrored across the country.
The Mayor is the first citizen In Bexley after the King. Only locally
elected Cllrs (I have represented Bexleyheath Ward for eight years) can become Mayor
and they are appointed by their Group annually.
I have lived in Bexley for 40 years and my children/grandson were born and
still live and work here. During that time, amongst other roles, I’ve been a
charity Trustee of local groups, school governor, have worked for both BVSC
and Bexley Council, a volunteer Magistrate for over 25 years and received an
MBE in 2009 for voluntary services to disabled children and young people in
Bexley, so have local links with and genuinely relate to residents. My
eldest son was disabled so I am particularly supportive of carers and
parents of children with SEN.
I’m also a qualified teacher and work in Public Health supporting the mental health agenda.
The Mayor has four distinct roles: to represent the borough i.e. at Remembrance,
Citizenship and other Civic events, to chair annual Council meetings, to
support the local community and to fundraiser for charity.
The Mayor only visits organisations on invitation and this week there are twelve
engagements over six days ranging from school presentations to WI coffee
mornings, care homes, churches, voluntary groups, and businesses - so about 36 hours.
In terms of remuneration the Mayors allowance is set every May at Annual
Council so a matter of public record. This year it’s £15,970. I receive
approximately £225 a week (after tax so about £6·25 an hour) - no expenses are
claimed and any events I attend (including my own fundraisers) I pay for myself.
A car is used to enable the Mayor to travel between engagements safely
quickly and reliably particularly when wearing robes and the chain. This is
standard practice. across the country.
I came into this role in May and it’s an absolute honour to have the
opportunity to meet and support our residents and the wider community - both
young and old really do value the Mayoralty. If they didn’t, there would be
no invitations! I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every event I’ve attended
and have been made very welcome at all of them.
The Mayor
of Bexley facebook page details all the events I attend and the variety
of people I meet.
My charity this year is Counselling
Matters Bexley so I’m hosting a variety of events to raise money for
them as they support both adults and children locally who need support
with their mental health and often can’t access this.
I hope this information is helpful.
Cobblers of course. The Mayor chairs five Council meetings a year and
both Newham and Tower Hamlets have Mayors elected by public vote. What’s more I could
have sworn that Sue Gower was first elected as a Councillor in 2018. (Yes, just
checked my emails. I sent her a congratulatory message when the Leader came to
her senses and approved Sue’s selection!)
Note: The link to the Mayor’s Facebook
and Charity pages taken from her own FB contribution appear to be broken.