New town mayor and deputy elected with unanimous online vote
In an online meeting held on Tuesday evening (May 19) on Zoom, more than 25 councillors and members of the community welcomed the councillors into their new positions, while thanking outgoing mayor Andrea Carr for her work over the last 12 months. Photo: Zoom - Credit: Archant
The new mayor and deputy mayor of Beccles have been elected with a unanimous vote during the town council’s annual meeting.
Ashley Lever, who was deputy mayor for the last year, received 100pc of the vote for the position of Beccles mayor after being nominated by the outgoing mayor. Photo: Zoom - Credit: Archant
Ashley Lever, who was deputy mayor for the last year, received 100pc of the vote for the position of mayor after being nominated by the outgoing mayor.
Christine Wheeler, who has been on the council for under a year, was also unanimously voted in as the town’s deputy mayor after being nominated by councillors Gillian Birrell and Richard Stubbings.
In an online meeting held on Tuesday evening (May 19) on Zoom, more than 30 people including town councillors, staff, guests of the new mayor and deputy mayor, together with members of the community, welcomed the councillors to their new positions, while thanking outgoing mayor Andrea Carr for her work over the last 12 months.
The new town mayor said in his acceptance speech that “there would be serious boots to fill” and added he will “be working as hard as possible to engage everyone in the community with support”.
“I can’t wait to get into the town and beyond as we move into our new normal. I really look forward to representing Beccles and the community and doing all I can as part of the council in the role working alongside my new deputy as well,” he said.
Virtually handing her chains of office through her webcam onto Mr Lever, mayor Andrea Carr described the new mayor as “an asset to the town council and the community, and a massive support to me over the last year” as well as “a very knowledgeable, excellent businessman who has been wonderful to work with”.
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Mrs Wheeler, the new deputy mayor, was described by town councillor Birrell as having “demonstrated many attributes that will stand her in good position - she is terribly enthusiastic and genuinely interested in what the council is doing”.
Mrs Wheeler said she was “honoured” to be voted in, adding: “I will fulfil my duties to the best of my abilities.”
Reflecting on her time in office, Mrs Carr called the last year “unbeatable and a rollercoaster”, adding her time as mayor “may have just saved my life”.
“I will continue to do my most for Beccles and wish Ashley and Christine fun and more,” she said.
