The Mayor

The Worshipful, the Mayor of Ashford

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

For 2023-2024, The Mayor of the Borough of Ashford is Councillor Larry Krause (pictured right) who represents the Ashford Borough Ward of Downs West. The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Lyn Suddards, who represents the Ashford Borough Ward of Beaver.

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 charities

The Mayor’s chosen charities this year are Men in Sheds, a mental health wellbeing initiative from Ashford Volunteer Centre and also the Friends of William Harvey Hospital. Both charities will support people, especially those from the borough, in helping to making their lives better. Cllr Krause will work alongside their team of volunteers to raise funds for new equipment and activities and increase the awareness that they both need to gain support to continue their vital work.

Donations should be made payable to: ‘The Mayor of Ashford’s Charity’.

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"