Southend elects 104th mayor
Councillor Nigel Folkard has been formally elected as the 104th Mayor of Southend
Councillor Nigel Folkard has been formally elected as the 104th Mayor of Southend at the Annual Meeting of the Council, taking over the role from Cllr Ron Woodley.
Following the formal nomination and election process, Cllr Folkard, Conservative councillor for Chalkwell Ward since 2015, was robed and returned to the chamber.
He then signed the official Declaration of Acceptance of Office, and he and his wife Marion were presented with the Chains of Office.
Nigel Folkard began his career in the Merchant Navy and later became a teacher, taking up a senior role at Southend College of Arts and Technology.
Mayor Folkard has served on key council committees, he's the ambassador for Southend University Hospital’s fundraising team, and is an active member of Southend Lions Club.
Mayor Nigel Folkard said: "It is a real honour to be chosen as Mayor of our city. I'm proud to serve Southend and will do my best to meet the expectations of this important role.
"My wife Marion and I are looking forward to getting out and about, meeting the people who make Southend such a special place to live and work, and celebrating the brilliant charities and community groups that support our city every day.
"I'm pleased to share that Father Graham Smith, of Sacred Heart RC Church in Southchurch, has kindly agreed to be my Chaplain for the year. My chosen charities will be Southend in Sight and Southend University Hospital, two causes close to my heart that do outstanding work supporting local people."
Outgoing Mayor, Cllr Ron Woodley, was presented with a Past Mayor's Badge, and Mrs Maureen Woodley received a Past Mayoress Badge in recognition of their service.
Cllr Woodley said: "I wish Mayor Nigel Folkard and his wife, Marion, all the best for the year ahead. I also want to thank my colleagues, friends, Thorpe ward residents, and everyone who's supported me this past year.
"I'm hugely grateful to everyone who helped raise £50,000 for my chosen charities, Southend HARP and The Jude Harvey Foundation. It's been a privilege to serve our city, and I'll look back on this time with great fondness."
Cllr Tony Cox was appointed Deputy Mayor for 2025/26, following tradition that the longest-serving councillor who wishes to be Mayor must first serve as Deputy Mayor the year before.
The Mayor of Southend is a ceremonial role. The Mayor continues to represent their ward as a councillor, but Mayoral duties are separate.
Within the Council, the Mayor’s main responsibility is to chair meetings of the Full Council.
Outside the Council, the Mayor represents the city and its people at events, openings, visits and more – supporting charities, welcoming visitors, and raising the profile of Southend across the region.