New Mayor takes on historic role

Published: 18 May 2023

The image shows Simon White as Mayor in 2019/20.
Simon White pictured when he served as Mayor in 2019/20.

The new Mayor of the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme has been elected to fill a centuries-old office.

Borough Councillor Simon White is the latest incumbent in a position dating back to 1318.

Simon, who lives in Madeley, was chosen at last night’s formal Annual meeting of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and will be taking on the role for the third time.

He said:

I am very, very proud to have been elected Mayor in the year that we are celebrating the 850th anniversary of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s incorporation as a borough.

 

Not only does this Borough have a rich history which we should publicise and promote, but there are so many good things happening here now which we can celebrate too.”

Cllr White succeeds Cllr Gill Burnett, of Kidsgrove, who has now completed her year as Mayor, and he has chosen two charities to benefit from his 12 months in office.

He said:

I will be supporting the Bradwell-based Academy for Theatre Arts, which is a charity I have backed before: it is largely volunteers and creates great opportunities for the young of our community who have real talent.

 

I’ll also be championing the Community Foundation of Staffordshire, which raises money and then distributes it to chosen charities in the county. We have now founded a 'We love Newcastle' section of the foundation, of which I am a member, and we will allocate any monies raised in my mayoral year specifically to charities within the Borough.”

Also an active member of the Alms houses charity, Cllr White previously served as Mayor in 2017/18 and 2019/20.

He added:

One of the joys of serving in this role is meeting so many different people doing so many remarkable things in their communities; in a typical year the mayor might make 350 visits within the Borough and Staffordshire and I’m looking forward to it immensely.”