New mayor takes chains of office in Stafford

The new mayor of Stafford Borough was sworn in at a traditional ceremony in the town at the weekend.

Councillor Andy Cooper received the chains of office at the Annual Meeting of Stafford Borough Council on Saturday (13 May).

The ceremony was held in the town’s Gatehouse Theatre where Councillor Cooper succeeded out-going mayor, Councillor Philip Leason MBE, for the 2023/24 civic year.

Councillor Cooper is Staffordshire born and bred and lives in the village of Great Haywood just outside the county town.

He said: “There is no greater honour for me than to be given the opportunity to be mayor of the county town and borough. I know that our borough has amazing volunteers, community groups and local organisations - and I am looking forward to seeing first-hand some of the tremendous work they do to benefit our area and beyond.”

Councillor Cooper was first elected as a member of Stafford Borough Council to represent the Milford Ward in 2019. He was previously the Parish Council Chairman for Colwich. While at the parish council he helped to revitalise the local Twinning Association, and was part of launching the first Parish Youth Council in Staffordshire - to introduce and encourage youngsters from 11 to 18 years old into local politics. 

He now represents the Haywood and Hixon Ward on the borough council. His wife Judy will be the new Mayoress.

Councillor Cooper is a keen walker, a Lay Reader with the Church of England for the Mid-Trent Churches, and dances with Stafford Morris. Now retired, his background is in engineering and worked in the food and drink industry since the 1980’s.

His chosen charities for the civic year will be Katherine House Hospice and Little Laura.

Councillor Tony Nixon was appointed as the new Deputy Mayor at the meeting on Saturday.

A service at St Mary’s Church in Stafford took place following the meeting.

More information about the Mayor and Mayoress will be available from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/mayor