Chris Aldred was appointed the second-ever charter mayor for Harrogate at a meeting this morning.
Chris Aldred was appointed the second-ever charter mayor for Harrogate at a meeting this morning.
Mr Aldred is a Liberal Democrat councillor and represents the High Harrogate & Kingsley division on North Yorkshire Council.
The non-political role involves promoting the historic and ceremonial traditions of the Harrogate area during events and occasions.
He follows Conservative councillor Michael Harrison who has been charter mayor for the last year.
Mr Aldred told the meeting the role was good value for money to the taxpayer as it costs 46p a year per household through council tax.
He said:
“I feel humbled and honoured to accept the appointment, hopefully it will only be for one year and we’ll have a proper town council and a proper mayor this time next year.”
The charter mayor role is much-reduced from the former Harrogate Borough Council mayor who attended hundreds of events and functions across the district every year.
By contrast, the charter mayor is expected to attend far fewer meetings with the role being described as ‘mayor-lite’.
The charter mayor is not entitled to expenses such as a chauffeur driven car that the former Harrogate Borough Council mayor could benefit from.
Although the charter mayor is still entitled to wear chains and civic regalia as worn by previous mayors.
If a Harrogate Town Council is created, it will assume responsibility for the mayoral position from North Yorkshire Council should it want it.
It could then decide to allocated more money to a mayoral position that would see its role expanded.
His deputy is fellow Lib Dem councillor Philip Broadbank, who spent time as both mayor and deputy mayor of Harrogate during the 1990s.
Mr Aldred worked in local government across Yorkshire for 23 years in the tourism and arts sectors. He has also worked at Bradford Cathedral, the Army Foundation College & Harrogate Convention Centre.
Last year’s mayor Michael Harrison also addressed charter trustees about his time as mayor. These are the 10 councillors who represent Harrogate.
He said:
“It’s been an enjoyable year. I attended some engagements you’d absolutely expect a charter mayor to attend like Remembrance Sunday, events at Stonefall Cemetery and things involving the military.
"There were also other occasions like corporate events at the HCC and I recently visited a resident in care home who turned 100.”
Ripon Rugby Club praised for helping keep popular inclusion festival free
Harrogate man is tenth Free Fuel Friday winner
Transdev to provide free travel on Armed Forces Day
Ripon student crowned British U18 fell running champion
Opticians in Ripon support pride event with £500 donation
Love Island's Alex Bowen to host Ibiza-themed fitness event in Harrogate PureGym
Magical Spiegeltent Festival is back in Harrogate
Ashville Headteacher shortlisted for Headteacher of the Year
Stephen Mangan and Fearne Cotton expected at Brimham Rocks
Harrogate lined with supercars in third annual showcase
Four Ripon Grammar School students selected to represent North Yorkshire
Harrogate residents urged to put bins out earlier as hot weather continues
Concerns for wildlife after pollution found in River Ure tributary
Oddsocks return to Harrogate with outdoor performance of Romeo & Juliet
Knaresborough's free town walking tours celebrate milestone
Henshaws BedFest raises record-breaking £30,000 for charity
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP pushes for Bilton school to open to avoid 'failing another generation of SEND children'
Starbeck man to take on 500 mile challenge for ambulance charity
Wellbeing day to be launched at Rudding Park this July
Amber heat warning issued for North Yorkshire
