Councillor John Harper has been announced as the new Mayor for Tamworth with the ambition of promoting the amazing people and pride in the town.
The ceremonial robes and chains were handed over by outgoing Mayor, Moira Greatorex, after what she described as ‘not only a fantastic year, but a unique year for a mayor.’
Mayor John Harper will be supported by his wife Maureen, as Mayoress; and newly appointed deputy mayor, Councillor Daniel Maycock
During the meeting, Councillor Harper thanked councillors for their kind and supportive words.
He said: I thank Moira and her splendid consort and I’m forever in gratitude to Moira as a lady of sheer quality who as mayor, did a very difficult job brilliantly.
“I am hugely honoured to be appointed to such a distinguished position as the 142nd Mayor of Tamworth. I can assure you there is no prouder man on the planet than I at this important moment.”
Councillor Harper’s chosen charities for the year are Tamworth Parish Church and Tamworth Civic Society.
Moira commented: “All good things must come to an end, this has been a unique year for a mayor; I have seen a jubilee, death of a Queen, proclamation of a new King, a Coronation, not forgetting the opening and closing of the Commonwealth Games.”
The new Mayor of Tamworth was elected to serve as a Bolehall councillor in 2021. John is a former journalist, history writer, musician, actor and club licensee who has lived and worked in Tamworth his entire life. He is well-known locally for penning articles for the Tamworth Herald newspaper, including a weekly history column along with other heritage-based projects.
For over 20 years John served on the Tamworth Conservation Area Advisory Committee, advising the borough council on planning applications. In 2000 he was a founder member of Tamworth Heritage Trust, serving as its chairman until 2012, and in 2015 helped relaunch Tamworth and District Civic Society.
On being elected in 2021 to the Bolehall seat, he promised voters he would do all he could to ‘create a caring, compassionate society which supports innovation, enterprise and technology but cares for the vulnerable; advocates traditional British values, and is committed to governance through fairness, integrity and respect.’
You can also follow the mayor’s activities via the Mayor of Tamworth Facebook and Twitter pages.
The meeting was live-streamed and can be viewed via the council’s YouTube channel TamworthCouncil.