New Mayor of Swale elected

Published Thursday 23 May, 2024
Last updated on Thursday 23 May, 2024

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Swale for the next civic year were appointed last week.

Swale Borough Council Councillors decided to elect Cllr Ben J Martin as Mayor and Cllr Karen Watson as Deputy Mayor at full council on 15 May.

During the Mayor making process Cllr Sarah Stephen, the retiring Mayor, removed her badge of office and the Sergeant at Mace placed the chains of office onto the new Mayor.

Mayor Cllr Martin named his cadet; Petty Officer Cadet Jayden Smith who has been a part of the Sheppey Sea Cadets for six years and is a keen sailor.

The 16-year-old is a cadet drill instructor, demonstrating his high standards he expects from himself and others in everything he does.

Cllr Stephen also awarded Civic Service Shields to Cllr Paul Stephen, her Mayor’s Consort, Corporal Lauren Smethurst, from Challenger Troop,

and Chris Lovelock, a retiring Civic attendant thanking him for 12 years of service to Swale.

Cllr Ben J Martin, Mayor of Swale, said:

“Thank you to Sarah for her time in office, I learnt so much about what it means to be Mayor while serving as her deputy Mayor, and she has truly left big shoes to fill.

“Looking forward, I hope to lead respectful council meetings; where we listen to each other and collaborate efficiently to make the decisions needed to make Swale a better place.

“I am looking forward to serving the people of Swale, attending events and supporting the charities within our borough.”

Cllr Sarah Stephen, the retiring Mayor, said:

“It was an honour to be the Mayor of Swale and I loved every minute of service to our beautiful borough.

“From fundraising for my chosen charities and championing our local charities, attending opening events and creating awareness for, and sharing, all that makes Swale such a special place.

“I wish the best of luck to Ben; I hope you enjoy your year!”