MALDON has welcomed its new mayor following a council vote.
Councillor James Burrell-Cook will serve as Town Mayor for the 2026-27 civic year.
He was elected by Maldon Town Council at its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 26.
Mr Burrell-Cook represents North Ward and previously served as Deputy Mayor for 2025-26.
He succeeds outgoing Town Mayor, councillor John Driver.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Burrell-Cook said: "My priority is serving the people of Maldon, with its rich heritage and distinctive character, is a privilege I am immensely proud to undertake.
"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the retiring Town Mayor, Councillor John Driver, for his dedication and hard work over the past 2025-2026 civic year.
"I also warmly congratulate Councillor Carlie Mayes on her appointment as Deputy Town Mayor and thank her for her continued commitment, experience and service to the Maldon community."
During the ceremony, Mr Burrell-Cook signed the statutory declaration of acceptance of office and received the mayoral robes, badge of office, and civic regalia from Mr Driver.
He has chosen his husband, Paul Burrell-Cook, to serve as his Consort for the year.
Maldon Town Council also confirmed the appointment of Councillor Carlie Mayes as Deputy Town Mayor, with her husband, Glenn Mayes DL, named as her Consort.
Mrs Mayes has represented North Ward since May 2019.
As Town Mayor, Mr Burrell-Cook will serve as chairman of the Town Council and act as the town’s civic ambassador.
As chairman, the Town Mayor must undertake to ensure council meetings are conducted lawfully.
He will also serve as an ex-officio member on all standing committees.
The Town Mayor has selected Farleigh Hospice and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance as his designated charities for the mayoral year.
Town Mayors have been elected to represented the interests of Maldon for hundreds of years.
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Maldon is twinned with Cuijk in Holland and Villeparisis in France.
Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are available to attend community events throughout the civic year as part of their roles.
To request their attendance, contact the Mayor’s Secretary on 01621 857373 or email administration@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk.
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