New Borough Mayor announced
The new Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme has been elected.
Cllr. Robert Bettley-Smith is taking on the historic role of first citizen of the borough for the forthcoming municipal year with support from his wife of almost 45 years, Judy, as Mayoress.
The Thistleberry councillor was invested with the chains of office at last night’s Annual Council meeting following a brief period as current Mayor due to the sudden death of Cllr. Barry Panter.
The Mayor – a ceremonial position which dates back to 1318 in Newcastle-under-Lyme – represents the borough at hundreds of community and civic events, raises money for local charities and chairs Full Council meetings, holding the casting vote.
Cllr. Bettley-Smith is raising funds for the local branch of Papyrus – which provides support and advice for young people with thoughts of suicide – and Belong, based in Stanier Street, who provide sheltered accommodation, care home facilities, respite opportunities and day care for people living with dementia. The Mayor’s Charity Ball – at Keele Hall on Saturday, 21 March 2026 – is the headline event supporting both charities.
One of the Mayor’s flagship fundraising missions specifically for Papyrus is “One Mayor Meandering”, a sponsored 85-mile walk, in 10 stages, covering the boundary of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Donations can be made online.
He is also supporting three heritage organisations: Apedale Heritage Centre, Apedale Railway and the Brampton Museum.
The 71-year-old father of three, who lives in Betley, said:
I am honoured to be elected as the new Mayor of our loyal and ancient borough. I will be raising money in two key areas which increasingly, and sadly, affect our society today: suicide in young people and dementia. There are personal and family reasons why I’ve chosen these specific charities but just as important are the individuals and families that our fundraising will benefit.
The Mayoress and I are so much looking forward to the Mayoral year and the various opportunities that will bring, whether meeting people, organisations or fundraising.”
Born in Liverpool to a Yorkshire family, the chartered surveyor, and steam locomotive fireman, has enjoyed an impressive career involving stints as Regional Director for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food – before it merged into the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) – and Chief Executive of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. He later returned to Defra to set up and lead the Government Decontamination Service based at RAF Stafford.
The Mayor served as an officer in the Royal Engineers (TA&VR), having earlier joined the Wessex Yeomanry, as a Trooper, while studying Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural College. He went on to achieve a research degree at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he met his wife.
Outside of work, he set up and managed a youth football club, qualifying as a local Football Association referee before retiring in 2009. Other personal interests include walking his black Labrador, Sasha; collecting railwayana and industrial archaeology, steam locomotives, playing croquet, growing fruit and following Stoke City FC. He is also chairman of Betley, Balterley and Wrinehill Parish Council.
The Mayor has two grandchildren. His youngest son, Samuel, is High Constable.
The Deputy Mayoress for 2025/26 is Cllr. Joan Whieldon. Her Deputy is Cllr. Sue Beeston.
A total of £10,100 was raised during 2024/25 for Cllr. Barry Panter’s chosen charities, Headway North Staffs and the Salvation Army in Chesterton.