Eye Town Mayor:

Councillor Tunie Brandon

Congratulations to Cllr. Brandon on her recent election as Mayor of Eye (15th May 2024), succeeding Cllr. Johnnie Walker who had been Mayor since September 2023 and 3 times prior to that, his dedication to the council has been commendable.

The role of the Mayor/Chair of the council

A council must have a Chair of the Council, elected by members as the first item of business at its Annual Meeting. Unless they resign or become disqualified in the meantime, the Chair will hold office until the following annual meeting.

Where a parish council has resolved that it will have the status of a town, the Chair will be entitled to the style of Town Mayor.

If present, the Chair must preside over meetings. Their role is to ensure that meetings run in a democratic and lawful fashion, that all business is properly considered and all councillors who wish to speak can do so. It is good practice for the Chair to refer to the clerk for advice.

The Chair has no individual powers, other than being able to call a meeting of the parish council at any time, and to give a casting vote in the event of an equality of votes.  Additionally, they can convene a Parish Meeting, even though these are not council meetings. If in attendance at a parish meeting, they must preside.

The Council Chair often enjoys a special relationship with the public, especially in a town where they are also the Mayor. It is often the Chair who leads the Annual Town or Parish Meeting, opens the fête, or welcomes official visitors from abroad. This is one reason why the Chair can receive an allowance to support this important public role.

To find out how to get involved at meetings, please click HERE