Coventry's new Lord Mayor isn't the first in family to fill the role

Ellie Brown

26 June 2024 at 9:56 am·2-min read

Photo of Lord Mayor of Coventry Cllr Mal Mutton who was appointed on 25 June — -Credit: (Image: Coventry city council)

Coventry's new Lord Mayor has been announced. Long-serving Labour councillor Mal Mutton was made chair of the council at a meeting yesterday, 25 June.

She had been due to take on the role after May's local elections after serving as deputy mayor for the last year. But a delayed contest in Radford, the ward Cllr Mutton represents, meant the ceremony was pushed back.

She defended her seat in the by-election held there last Thursday, 20 June. Cllr Mutton gained 58% of the vote, 754 more votes than Conservative runner-up Stephen Smith, though turnout was only 14%.

New Coventry Lord Mayor reveals hopes for year as he makes history

After receiving the ceremonial gold chain at the council house yesterday, Cllr Mutton said: "It's been a long and rocky road hasn't it, but we got there in the end." Other councillors paid tribute to Cllr Mutton at the event.

Party colleague Cllr Patricia Hetherton praised her "dedication and unwavering commitment to residents in the ward and beyond." She said Cllr Mutton is in a "unique" position, having been Lady Mayoress when her husband, former leader Cllr John Mutton, took up the role in the late 1990s.

"Those close to Mal know the heartache she's suffered in the last two years. We know how much she's appreciated the warmth and goodwill from all here today after losing her beloved husband John."

The meeting also saw Labour councillor for Holbrooks of 15 years, Cllr Rachel Lancaster, made Deputy Lord Mayor. Outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Jaswant Singh Birdi, was thanked by councillors.

The Conservative councillor said: "As the first Lord Mayor - as marked by [opposition leader] Gary Ridley - to wear a turban alongside the chain of office, the past year has meant so much to myself and my family."

Many told the chamber they would be saying more at a celebration event which is due to be held on July 11.

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