New Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Council chosen

A new mayor has taken office in North East Lincolnshire - and it is a familiar face.

Cllr Steve Beasant was Mayor two years ago and will reprise the role for 2024/25 after the council's annual mayor making ceremony, held each year in May. Succeeding him as Deputy Mayor is Cllr Janet Goodwin.

The Mayor chairs full council meetings, gavel in hand to bring order, when it is rarely required, to debates. The role of Mayor in North East Lincolnshire is also a ceremonial one, which will see the incumbent visit all corners of the borough, meeting representatives of charities, community organisations and businesses, as well as representing the council at official functions.

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After the elections of Cllrs Beasant and Goodwin to their roles, the Mayor appointed Mrs Sandie Hullett as his Mayoress. Cllr Goodwin has appointed Mr. Barry Goodwin as her Deputy Mayor’s Consort. Cadet Corporal Nuala Stephenson was appointed Mayor's Cadet, and Father Andrew Taylor as Mayor's Chaplain.

Born in Grimsby, Cllr Beasant has lived in the East Marsh ward for more than 30 years and has been a ward councillor since 2003. "The public service that he's provided over the last two years has been truly exemplary," said Cllr Steve Holland, nominating Cllr Beasant for Mayor.

He described him as an "elder statesman", though not in comparison to US presidential candidates. Referencing Cllr Beasant's time as a linesman in a 1980s testimonial match between Grimsby Town and Nottingham Forest, he joked: "As well as holding a gavel, who knows, there may even be a whistle and a few yellow and red cards hidden beneath his robes." Cllr Tim Mickleburgh nominated his fellow South Ward Cllr Janet Goodwin to be Deputy Mayor.

In his acceptance speech, Cllr Beasant said it was "an absolute privilege" to be mayor again, and also paid tribute to his wife Carol, in attendance, as "the love of my heart". The pair have been married for 47 years.

"At times the role can be an emotional one, listening to the achievements and struggles of other people, but one thing became clear from my time spent as Mayor and Deputy Mayor: there are some incredible people in our borough doing some fantastic things, and I want to continue to use the office of Mayor to champion their causes and shine a light on their work."

"I pledge to do the very best for all of our children," he said, promising to visit as many children's homes as possible. He announced that one of next year's Civic Awards will be purely for foster parents. Cllr Beasant also named Nurtrio, Friendship at Home, YMCA and Jax’s Stoma Appeals as his chosen mayoral charities. Jax is a young boy who has received Westminster recognition for his stoma fundraising. Events will be undertaken throughout the year to fundraise for the charities, and Cllr Beasant revealed plans for a 24 hour walkathon.

Cllr Ron Shepherd paid tribute to fellow Scartho Ward Cllr Ian Lindley, whose mayoral term ended. "His ability to sing is second to none. His strength and determination to dance was proven in his 24 hour danceathon."

"If this had been Britain's Got Talent, Ian would have got the golden buzzer." In his thanks speech, Cllr Lindley said he had raised £10,200 across the mayoral year for his chosen causes, Sunflowers Children’s Action Group and the Pink Rose Suite at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital. Highlights of his year in office included Armed Forces Day and Sunflower's Christmas party for the children.

Not directly elected, the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire has no powers, and must be politically neutral in mayoral duties.