Southend’s 104th Mayor Elected - Leigh-on-Sea

Share this story!

Leigh On Sea News: Southend’s 104th Mayor Elected – CONSERVATIVE councillor for Chalkwell Ward Nigel Folkard has been formally elected as the 104th Mayor of Southend

Southend’s 104th Mayor Elected - CONSERVATIVE councillor for Chalkwell Ward Nigel Folkard has been formally elected as the 104th Mayor of Southend

CONSERVATIVE councillor for Chalkwell Ward Nigel Folkard has been formally elected as the 104th Mayor of Southend at the Annual Meeting of the Council, taking over the role from Coun Ron Woodley.

The ceremony began with prayers led by the outgoing Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend David Pierce.

Following the formal nomination and election process, Coun Folkard was robed and returned to the chamber. He then signed the official Declaration of Acceptance of Office, and he and his wife Marion were presented with the Chains of Office.

Mayor Nigel Folkard said: “It is a real honour to be chosen as Mayor of our city. I’m proud to serve Southend and will do my best to meet the expectations of this important role.

“My wife Marion and I are looking forward to getting out and about, meeting the people who make Southend such a special place to live and work, and celebrating the brilliant charities and community groups that support our city every day.

“I’m pleased to share that Father Graham Smith, of Sacred Heart RC Church in Southchurch, has kindly agreed to be my Chaplain for the year. My chosen charities will be Southend in Sight and Southend University Hospital, two causes close to my heart that do outstanding work supporting local people.”

Outgoing Mayor, Cllr Ron Woodley, was presented with a Past Mayor’s Badge, and Mrs Maureen Woodley received a Past Mayoress Badge in recognition of their service.

Coun Woodley said: “I wish Mayor Nigel Folkard and his wife, Marion, all the best for the year ahead. I also want to thank my colleagues, friends, Thorpe ward residents, and everyone who’s supported me this past year.

“I’m hugely grateful to everyone who helped raise £50,000 for my chosen charities, Southend HARP and The Jude Harvey Foundation. It’s been a privilege to serve our city, and I’ll look back on this time with great fondness.”

Also during the meeting, Coun Tony Cox was appointed Deputy Mayor for 2025/26. His wife, Mrs Michele Cox and Mrs Valerie Jarvis, received their Deputy Mayoress badges.

Coun Cox commented on Facebook: “Today I have had very mixed emotions.

“I have twice turned down the mayoralty but only agreed to do it after my good friend and former mayor and ward colleague Derek Jarvis asked me to do it as one last wish in his final hours as he lost his long running battle with cancer.

“I agreed but only if he gave his blessing for his wife Val to be one of my mayoresses. Derek said that this is what he was hoping for so I could help look after his wife Val when he departed this world.

“After saying I wouldn’t ever take on the mayoralty I kept to my word and am delighted to become the Deputy Mayor for 2025/26 with my wife Michele Cox and Val becoming the Deputy Mayoresses.

“I thank Daniel Nelson and Judith McMahon for proposing and seconding me.

“Derek, I will ensure your memory and legacy will remain but I will never be able to carry out the role with the aplomb as you did.

“Nigel Folkard has been formally elected as the 104th Mayor of Southend at today’s Annual Meeting of the Council, taking over the role from Councillor Ron Woodley.

“I look forward to supporting Nigel throughout his mayoral year.

“Outgoing Mayor Coun Ron Woodley helped raise a staggering £50,000 for his chosen charities, Southend HARP and The Jude Harvey Foundation.”

about author

Editor