Name of new mayor for Stafford Borough will have a familiar ring

Councillor Jenny Barron is to be the new Mayor of Stafford Borough - six years after her husband held the role

She was nominated as the borough’s ‘first citizen’ at a meeting of the council on Tuesday (25 February). Councillor Barron will take the chains of office in May.

Jenny lives in Stafford with husband, and former mayor, Ray and was nominated for the role by Councillor Jill Hood.

After accepting the nomination, Councillor Barron, said: “It will be an honour to serve all those in our communities as the Stafford Borough Mayor. I am looking forward to meeting and thanking so many wonderful people and voluntary groups who do selfless work across the borough, day in and day out, to help others.”

Husband, Ray, served as the borough’s first citizen in the 2018/19 mayoral year.

Councillor Barron has represented the Weeping Cross and Wildwood Ward on Stafford Borough Council for a decade - an area she has lived in with Ray for around 40 years where she has helped to run their garage business. They have a daughter and granddaughter who also live in Stafford.

She was Mayoress in 2018/19 and has previously been Deputy Mayoress.

Councillor Barron is the chair of the Trustees of Wildwood Community Centre, a committee member and press officer for the Stafford Friends of Donna Louise Children’s Hospice (now part of Dougie Mac Hospice), and has been a member of the Women’s Institute for 25 years.

Jenny was previously a medical secretary for over 20 years at Stafford General Infirmary, County Hospital, New Cross Hospital and Rowley Hall Hospital. She trained at Rodbaston Agricultural College in floristry - which is still her passion today.

She will be taking over from the current Mayor, Councillor Frank James.

Councillor Andrew Cooper has been nominated for the role of Deputy Mayor. He represents the Haywood and Hixon Ward on the borough council and was Mayor in 2023/24.