THE mayor of Maldon is “honoured” to have been re-elected to continue working to support the town.

At the annual Maldon Town Council meeting, councillors re-elected councillor Andrew Lay as town mayor for the coming civic year.

The now district councillor will be supported by wife Karen as mayoress.

Mr Lay first became a councillor in 2019 and has served in different roles, including chair of finance and general purposes committee, as well as being deputy town mayor in 2021 to 2022 to mayor David Ogg.

He has had a busy year as town mayor from 2022 to 2023, hosting multiple awards, attending business openings and events and more.

Martin Harvey was elected as the deputy town mayor and will be supported by his wife Wendy as deputy town mayoress.

Mr Lay said: “The role of town mayor in Maldon goes back to 1874 and it is indeed an honour for me to continue to be a part of that great heritage.

“Not only is the town mayor the figurehead of the town council, but of the town also.

“I have lived with my family and worked in the town for many years, so I know what a great town Maldon is.

“It will be my privilege to support the good works of many local people which preserve the economic, cultural, and social well-being of the town.

“I will be supporting local charities - the local food bank, the David Randall Foundation and the heritage sites in Maldon by holding fundraising events within the town.

“Maldon Town Council will work tirelessly during this civic year for the benefit of local residents and businesses, and I look forward to seeing people - both residents and visitors - out and about enjoying everything that this wonderful town has to offer.”

Mr Harvey said: “I am really pleased and honoured to have been elected as deputy mayor and look forward to supporting the mayor in this civic year and meeting the various different groups around the town in my new capacity.“