Newhaven Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor
Newhaven Town Mayor & Deputy Town Mayor 2025-2026
The current Mayor of Newhaven is Councillor Kim Bishop who was elected at the Full Council Meeting on the 13th May 2025 and her Deputy is Councillor Mark Wardle.
Introduction – and brief history of the office of Mayor
The words “Mayor” and “Major” derive from the same Latin word “Magnus”, meaning great. The office of Mayor, together with the Domesday Book and the feudal system, were brought to this country by the Normans. The office had existed on the continent since at least the 5th Century. The first English Mayor was the Mayor of London, appointed in 1189 by Richard I.
The exact role of the Mayor in earlier centuries varied considerably from one town to another, but he would normally be a “Custodian of the Peace” (Magistrate) in addition to his role as first citizen of the town, and by the seventeenth century the Mayors of many boroughs had become all-powerful, combining the role of chairman of the governing body of the town with other roles such as Borough Coroner, Keeper of the Gaol or Admiral of the Port. Not all Mayors were called “Mayor” – other titles for the heads of corporations included High Bailiff, Warden or Portreeve.
In Newhaven, the Chairman of the Urban District Council, which came into being as a result of the Local Government Act 1894, was not called “Mayor”, although he did wear a badge and chain. When local government was re-organised in 1974, one of the first decisions made by the newly constituted Newhaven Parish Council was to pass a resolution that the Parish should have the status of a Town. Under Section 245(6) of the Local Government Act 1972 this resolution meant that the Council would then be known as “Newhaven Town Council” and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman as “Town Mayor” and “Deputy Town Mayor” respectively.
Apart from the chairing of Council meetings, the present day role of the Mayor is largely ceremonial and symbolic and provides a link between the present day and the traditions of history. The Mayor is the representative of the Town Council, the town of Newhaven and its people and is often seen as the “First Citizen” of the town. As Newhaven is part of Lewes District, however, the Chairman of the District Council technically takes precedence over the Town Mayor of Newhaven throughout the whole District.
Badge and chain
The Mayoral badge and chain was commissioned by the Town Council during its first year of administration in 1974 from Thomas Fattorini Ltd. The mayoral chain can only be worn at mayoral engagements within the town’s boundaries. It must not be worn when entering a neighbouring authority unless permission granted by the mayor of that authority.
Mayor’s Charity
A Mayor can choose to support a particular charity which provides local benefit during their tenure, although it is not obligatory to do so. More than one charity may be chosen and the Mayor will decide how the proceeds are shared at the end of the year.
This year, the Mayor has chosen to support: NIPPERS
Mayoral attendance to your event
The Mayoral Diary is held by the Officers at Newhaven Town Council. Anyone inside or outside the Newhaven can invite the Mayor to an event and invitations are generally accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, preference is given to events taking place in the Town. Please ensure your invitation is made as early as possible to ensure the Mayor is available. The Mayor helps to raise the profile of local groups, charities and voluntary organisations, as well as local businesses. If the Mayor is unable to attend, the Deputy Mayor will be asked to go as the Mayor’s representative.
Please fill out the Mayor’s Engagement form and email it to admin@newhaventowncouncil.gov.uk.
Previous Newhaven Town Mayors
The names of our previous Mayors are as follows:
2024 H P McLean-Knight 2023 J L Carr 2022 P F Boswell 2021 L A Boniface 2020 G R Amy 2019 G R Amy 2018 P F Boswell 2017 J M Dyer 2016 S Saunders 2015 S Saunders 2014 J Ost 2013 J L Carr 2012 G R Amy 2011 S Saunders 2010 G R Amy 2009 C J Butler 2008 G R Amy 2007 J L Carr 2006 R M Main 2005 R D Robertson 2004 J E Lewry 2003 D G Forsdike 2002 D G Forsdike 2001 D J Fitton 2000 D J Fitton 1999 L P Austin 1998 D J Tait 1997 C A Borowski 1996 C A Borowski 1995 V B Morgan 1994 V B Morgan 1993 T P A Ost 1992 J E Lewry 1991 J E Lewry 1990 Col P G H Harwood 1989 Dr A Bradbury 1988 Dr A Bradbury 1987 M J Harman 1986 M J Harman 1985 C S Temple 1984 J E R Kennedy 1983 J E R Kennedy 1982 G J Lewitt 1981 B J Rugg 1980 B J Rugg 1979 Col P G H Harwood 1978 D Ingram 1977 C F W Dickins 1976 E J Walmsley 1975 P Friend 1974 C A M Campbell