Brighton and Hove has a new mayor with the election of Mo Marsh this afternoon (Thursday 18 May) by her fellow councillors.
The 69-year-old Labour councillor for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean will put aside party politics for the coming year as she becomes the city’s first citizen.
She was elected at the annual meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council at Brighton Town Hall with Conservative councillor Dee Simson elected deputy mayor.
The outgoing mayor Pete West gave an emotional speech about his year in office and thanked his partner Geraldine Keenan and his family and all those who had helped him.
Like previous mayors, he said that he thought that he knew the city but learnt so much about the incredible place and people over the past 12 months.
Councillor Anne Meadows said: “It is my pleasure to propose Mo Marsh to be the next mayor for the city.
“Mo moved from her native Leicester to Brighton in the sixties. Reality struck when she arrived and saw the Basil Spence designed buildings and thought she was in heaven. Reasonable people might think this said more about Leicester than Brighton.
“Mo has a passion for amateur dramatics so loves the cultural side of our city.”
This would, she said, be handy for the overacting and performances we have at our full council meetings.
Councillor Meadows said: “I’ve found her to be supportive, engaging and friendly.”
She is “eager to please and happy to help” – especially with the offer of cake – and praised “her willingness to serve, her outgoing personality and her love of the city”.
Council leader Councillor Warren Morgan said: “It is the highest honour this council can bestow on one of its members.”
On taking office Councillor Marsh said: “For a small person it’s a big moment or ‘Mo-ment’!”
She started by acknowledging the work of Brighton and Hove City Council staff for the benefit of the community in taxing times.
She paid tribute to her predecessor and said: “Pete, you’ve set the bar incredibly high.”
She added: “On Sunday I will turn 70 which feels like quite a landmark. To have both of these things happening in the same week, feels amazing and Mo-mentous!”
Congratultions to one of our nicer city councillors on being given this year as Mayor of Brighton & Hove. Enjoy!