New Mayor elected

Following the resignation of the Mayor earlier this month, a new Mayor for Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn has been elected.

As we'd reported last week, Mike Childs had resigned as Mayor and a town councillor due to private reasons.

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The position of Mayor is required in law and the town council have elected Cllr Peter Lewington as Mayor for the remainder of the 24/25 municipal year.

Cllr Peter Lewington now steps into the role as the 33rd Mayor of Newtown. Cllr Lewington is also the elected county councillor for Newtown West.

As the Mayor of Newtown, Cllr Peter Lewington assumes a significant position as the first citizen of the town, ranking high in the order of precedence alongside notable figures like the King Charles III, the Lord Lieutenant for Powys, and the Chair of Powys County Council.

His responsibilities include presiding over town council meetings, managing debates, and casting decisive votes in case of tiebreakers. Additionally, he takes on the role of a civic leader, serving as a representative for residents and promoting local causes, events, and businesses in a non-political capacity.

Accepting the position, Cllr Lewington said:

"I'm very pleased, delighted and honoured to be sitting here as mayor tonight and I can promise you all that I will undertake the role with pride and enthusiasm and I'll do my utmost to keep the office in the high esteem that it's currently held"

"However, as well as being delighted, I'm so equally saddened by the circumstances in which this vacancy has arisen, and I would also like to pay tribute to the ex mayor Mike Childs, not only for his time as mayor, but also for his many years service to this Council."

"I'd also ask my fellow councillors and all the staff to just join me in not only thanking Mike for his service, but in sending him and his family our best wishes at such a difficult time for them. "

Cllr Peter Lewington will be joined by his wife, Cllr Margaret Lewington as his Deputy, as she was elected to the position last May.

Both Cllrs Lewington are entitled to senior allowances of £1500 and £500 per annum, respectively, acknowledging the commitment and dedication they bring to their roles in serving the town of Newtown.