New Mayor and Deputy Mayor Break the Glass Ceiling
History was made on Monday evening when Withernsea Town Council announced that for the first time in the town’s history, the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor were both women.
New Mayor, Councillor Felicity Walmsley, is only the second woman to become Mayor in the 21st Century. Councillor Walmsley will become the 5th woman to hold the title of Council Chair 125 years. A woman has only held the office of Mayor 9 times since 1898.
Councillor Jacqui Blackburn was duly elected Deputy Mayor at the same meeting. The election of two females to the roles will be a first; Withernsea Town Council has never, until now, elected women simultaneously.
This year saw Councillor Christine Mathers take on the new role of Local Business Champion. Councillor Mathers will be building a relationship between the town council and local businesses to identify ways councillors can support and promote the local economy.
“I look forward to leading the town council as we emerge from a challenging year. We have much work ahead of us. Our aim will now be to help the town, its residents, and its businesses rebound financially and socially from the impact of Covid.”
(Mayor – Councillor Felicity Walmsley)
“As Deputy Mayor, I will have the opportunity to improve and grow the town to meet the needs of an evolving coastal town. I intended to work with the Mayor to improve the public areas of the town, particularly the access for those with disabilities. Withernsea is renowned for being a friendly town, and we will be welcoming back old friends and striving to new friends part of our community.”
(Deputy Mayor – Councillor Jacqui Blackburn)
“As the Local Business Champion, I will be visiting businesses regularly to understand the high and lows they face throughout the year. I will be working with my colleagues to promote the town and everything it has to offer. Our aim will be to driving up footfall around the town.”
(Local Business Champion – Councillor Christine Mathers) of
