The Mayor

The Worshipful, the Mayor of Ashford

The Mayor of Ashford is the borough's first citizen. They are elected for a year's term of office at the annual meeting of the council in May. 

For 2024-25, The Mayor of the Borough of Ashford is Councillor Lyn Suddards (pictured right) who represents the Ashford Borough Ward of Beaver. The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Winston Michael, who represents the Ashford Borough Ward of Goat Lees.

Mayoral responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Mayor include:

• To chair meetings of the full council
• To uphold and promote the purposes of the constitution
• To host a number of civic events
• To represent the borough at ceremonial occasions
• To attend a wide range of events and presentations to which he/she is invited

For more information on the Mayor's badge and chain of office please visit our Borough Regalia.

The Mayor's charity

The Mayor’s chosen charity this year is Sk8side. Sk8side Youth Centre offers a free service for young people and provides them with an empowering and nurturing environment where they can develop as individuals and gain all the skills they need as they go into young adulthood. Cllr Lyn Suddards will work alongside their team of volunteers to raise funds and increase the awareness that they need to gain support to continue their vital work.

Donations can be made via the Sk8side website.

If you are interested in supporting the Mayor’s charity please contact the Mayor's Civic Officer.

To request the Mayor to attend an event

Please complete the online Mayoral Invitation Form.

An officer from the Democratic Services Team will be in contact with you regarding your invitation.  If the engagement is agreed, relevant information should be sent to the Mayor’s Parlour at least two weeks before the event.

Email: democraticservices@ashford.gov.uk

Telephone: 01233 330317

or write to:

Mayor's Parlour
Civic Centre
Tannery Lane
Ashford
Kent TN23 1PL

Etiquette

The Mayor always has precedence in Ashford borough, except in the presence of His Majesty the King or his representative.

• Please designate a person to be on hand to meet the Mayor on arrival and to introduce him/her to the host or the assembled company
• When the Mayor enters or leaves, it is customary for those present to rise
• Unless the Mayor is chairing the meeting, he/she should be seated on the chairman's immediate right and, except for an introduction, it is usual for the Mayor to be the first speaker
• The formal announcement of the Mayor is "The Worshipful the Mayor of Ashford"
• Please address the Mayor as "Mr Mayor/Madam Mayor" and the Mayoress/Mayor's consort as "Mayoress/Mayor's consort"