New Melksham mayor is youngest ever!

TOWN councillor Simon Crundell is the new mayor of Melksham – and at the age of 26, has made history as the town’s youngest ever mayor! 

He was voted into the role by his fellow councillors at last week’s Annual Town Meeting; with cllr Sue Mortimer joining him as deputy mayor. Previously, Melksham’s youngest mayor was Sarah Cardy, who was 29 when she became mayor in 1991. 

But for cllr Crundell, his age is merely just a number, with his focus set on working with his fellow councillors to deliver services for the town; improve biodiversity; and in general, ‘do a good job’ for local residents. 

About making history, cllr Crundell – who is one of five Conservative councillors on the town council – told Melksham News, “It’s a huge privilege and really humbling that my fellow councillors have entrusted me with this role. Most of us are new on the council, and I’m grateful to my fellow councillors and our amazing officers for all the support they provide.  

“But I would feel that way irrespective of my age. Being mayor comes with a lot of responsibility, so right now I’m not too hung up on my age. Maybe I’ll reflect on that in years to come, but first I want to concentrate on doing a good job! Could there be a better town to be mayor of than Melksham? As a town we have so much to offer!” 

About his hopes and ambitions for his time in the role of mayor, cllr Crundell said, “My passion is the environment, and town councils can make a big impact on the loss of biodiversity. In the budget discussions, it was really important to me that we didn’t increase tax above inflation, but we also prioritised investment in tree planting and ecology.  

“A recent study from the Natural History Museum, for example, revealed that Britain is one of the most biodiversity deficient countries in Western Europe and ranks bottom of the G7. We can’t expect everything to be done from Westminster; it is sometimes more effective to act as a community.  

“But as important as this is, it mustn’t detract from our role as a council in delivering the services people want, and rightly expect from their town council. We must deliver on opening public toilets in the town, providing new play equipment in our parks for young families, and we have got to find a solution for the Cricketers Cafe in King George V park.  

“We can only do this by working together and I know that there is a real spirit of cooperation on this council. It’s worth noting that almost half of the councillors who voted for me to be mayor were not elected as Conservatives – that’s a huge honour and I look forward to encompassing this diversity of thought into our decision-making process and making the best use of the skills and talent on the council.”    

Cllr Crundell was one of 10 town councillors, out of 15, who were elected in last year’s local elections, with no previous experience serving on a council. About what attracted him to the role, he said, “I’ve always taken a keen interest in politics and I think we are so lucky to live in a country where anyone can put forward their ideas of how we should be governed. I got involved in local politics because I love our town.  

“Watching the council as a Melksham resident in the last term drove me crazy. I guess I would encourage anyone reading this who wants to be part of a team to improve our town to get involved and stand for election. It’s a voluntary role but it is so rewarding. Knowing that you get a say in the betterment of your town is just a massive privilege.”

For the new deputy mayor, cllr Mortimer has her sights set on representing and supporting the town over the coming year.

 “To my fellow councillors who showed confidence in me to undertake my duties as deputy mayor, by voting for me on Monday night (16th May), I thank you, it is very much appreciated,” said cllr Mortimer. 

“Being deputy gives me the opportunity to support and represent our community even more over the coming year. I look forward to attending, with the new mayor cllr Simon Crundell, many civic and community events this coming year.  

“People who know me know I am not interested in politics – what I am interested in and what I do care about, is our town – a town with a community spirit I am proud to be a part of. I know I have a tough act to follow as I take the reins over from cllr Colin Goodhind, who did a very splendid job as deputy mayor in what proved to be a somewhat difficult first year for us. 

So thank you for all to my friends and residents who have wished me well, you can be assured I will continue to work hard with all councillors, staff and residents to do the best I can for you all.” 

The pair take over from cllrs Jon Hubbard and Colin Goodhind, who both remain on the council.