New mayor takes over in Brighton and Hove

Long-standing Hollingdean resident Theresa Fowler has become the new mayor of Brighton and Hove.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey nominated her fellow Labour councillor, saying that she embodied the “heart and soul” of the city.

Councillor Sankey said: “I know Theresa to be brave, thoughtful and resilient, someone who has many depths and layers.

“A deeply empathetic person with more integrity than you could shake a stick of Brighton Rock at.

“Theresa does not just represent our city, she nurtures it. And I have absolute confidence that she will serve as an exceptional, dedicated first citizen.”

Her nomination was seconded by Councillor Gill Williams who has served alongside Councillor Fowler for seven years.

Councillor Williams said: “We’ve worked together on the then Housing Committee to drive through better conditions for our residents in the private sector and in our social housing sector.

“And we, together, paved the way for this marvellous building programme we have now.”

Councillor Fowler was Junior born in Hong Kong but moved to Fiveways when she was one year old. She went to Downs Infant School, Downs Infant School and Varndean High School.

She raised her four children in Hollingdean, with her late husband Keith, and for many years ran an arts and crafts shop in Fiveways.

In 2019, she was first elected as a Labour councillor for Hollingdean and Stanmer ward and re-elected in 2023 to represent the new Hollingdean and Fiveways ward.

A passionate environmentalist, Councillor Fowler’s notable achievements include campaigning for a ban on sky lanterns and balloon releases on public land – a measure now included in the council’s Public Space Protection Orders.

As a councillor, she has carried out walking surgeries, litter picking along the way.

In her year as Brighton and Hove’s first citizen, Councillor Fowler plans to support two charities.

One is Forward Facing which supports families with children who have cancer and life-limiting conditions.

The charity is particularly close to her heart because it was supported by her late husband during his time working at Brghton and Hove Albion.

Her other charity is Brighton-based Whoopsadaisy which supports children with cerebral palsy and motor disorders.

Her chaplain will be the Reverend Tom Holbird, from St Matthias, in Fiveways. Her consort is her sister Lorraine Garrett.

After taking the oath of office, Councillor Fowler said: “Brighton has been the backdrop to my entire life – a city that has shaped who I am today. I am incredibly proud of its creativity its warmth and its spirit of inclusivity.

“It is a modern forward-looking city that continues to embrace change while still holding firmly to its rich heritage and history.

“Truly Brighton and Hove is a city like no other.”

Brighton and Hove’s Mayor is a politically neutral ceremonial role which involves representing the city and chairing full council meetings.

Councillor Fowler is expected to remain in the role for a year.