Melksham’s mayoral team has been confirmed for the year ahead, with Cllr Saffi Rabey appointed as town mayor for a second term and Cllr Gillian Elson as deputy mayor.
The pair was selected at the Annual Council Meeting on Monday 11th May. Cllr Rabey said she was ‘delighted’ to be serving a second year in the role and to continue building on progress made over the last year.
Cllr Saffi Rabey said, “It has certainly been a year of learning and while we may not have got everything right, we have worked hard to listen, improve and move forward positively for our town.
“I am looking forward to working alongside my new Deputy Mayor, Cllr Elson, and thank Cllr Westbrook for her year of service as the previous deputy mayor. With the support of councillors, officers and residents, I am confident we can deliver another year of stability, growth and positive outcomes for our community.”
Cllr Gillian Elson takes over from outgoing deputy mayor Cllr Jennie Westbrook.
Cllr Elson said it is a ‘profound honour to be elected’. She said, “I am deeply grateful for the trust my fellow councillors and the community have placed in me. Our town is a place of incredible spirit and potential, and I am looking forward to supporting our Mayor Cllr Saffi Rabey and the council in our shared mission to serve every resident in our town.”
Councillors were split in the mayoral vote, with seven votes for Cllr Rabey and seven for Cllr Maverick Drewett, who was also standing for mayor. As chair of the meeting, Cllr Rabey had the casting vote.
The deputy mayoral vote was also tied, with seven votes each for Cllr Elson and Cllr Phil Alford. Cllr Rabey again used the casting vote to decide the result.
Meanwhile, Melksham Without Parish Council has voted to keep the existing chair and vice chair in post for another year, following the annual council meeting on Tuesday 18th May.
Cllr John Glover will remain as the chair, with Cllr David Pafford as the vice chair, both returning to the role with unanimous votes.
Pictured: Deputy Mayor Gillian Elson with Mayor Saffi Rabey
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