CURRENT Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Maureen Creaghan, will continue in her role for the next year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her term of office.
Each year in May, a vote on the appointment of a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor takes place at the annual meeting of Warrington Borough Council, when following the meeting, the new Mayor is sworn in during the Mayor making ceremony.
However, this year, it was recommended that the current Mayor, and current Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jean Flaherty, be appointed for a further 12 month period to bring the process back in line with the normal term of office.
This year’s annual council meeting took place yesterday evening, on Monday 24 May, where members unanimously voted in favour of the current Mayor and Deputy Mayor continuing in their roles until May 2022.
The Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Maureen Creaghan, said: “It was a great honour to become Mayor of the town I love late last year, during what was – and continues to be – a very challenging time for us all. I am so proud of how people and communities in Warrington have come together during these difficult times as we learn to live with coronavirus.
“It’s been a very unusual term of office so far, as I have been unable to get out and about to meet people across the borough as I would have liked. I am passionate about helping local communities and now I hope, as restrictions ease, that I can make a difference to local people – particularly our most vulnerable residents – through my Mayoral duties and charity appeal.”
Cllr Creaghan is the 137th first citizen of Warrington, but due to coronavirus restrictions, was only sworn in as Mayor part-way through the previous Mayoral year. Last year’s ceremony took place on 2 November 2021 as the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Wendy Johnson’s term of office was extended due to the pandemic.
The Mayor will continue to support her four chosen charities throughout the year:
· Forget Me Not Unit at Warrington Hospital – caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
·JUMP – providing photograph and film memories for children with terminal and life-limiting illness in the North West of England and Wales
·Lifetime – providing support and services for elderly residents
·PAPYRUS – supporting the prevention of young suicide
Cllr Creaghan’s brother, John, will continue to be her Consort throughout this extended term. Find out more about the civic role of the Mayor of Warrington at warrington.gov.uk/mayor
