Your Harrogate Radio

4:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Madison Avenue

Don't Call Me Baby

Listen Live

Harrogate GP set to be elected town's new Mayor

Friday, 10 April 2026 07:19

Councillor Viv Poskitt is expected to be formally elected as the new Mayor of Harrogate.

A Harrogate GP is set to become the town’s next mayor, with Viv Poskitt expected to be formally elected for the 2026/27 civic year.

The appointment is due to be confirmed at the Annual Meeting of Harrogate Town Council on 6th May.

Councillor Poskitt, a Liberal Democrat representative, has worked as a GP in the local area for more than 25 years and has been involved in community and civic life across Harrogate during that time.

Her background includes public health work, engagement with local initiatives and supporting community wellbeing projects.

In support of her nomination, Councillor Poskitt shared a personal reflection in the form of a poem:

“I'm used to chairing committees from school to sixth form and universities.

"I've given lectures and spoken to large audiences, I'm not afraid of public speaking and all its nuances.

"I've cleared my diary and saved annual leave to allow me to attend events when we receive invitations from the public to cut a ribbon, meet with groups or open a curtain.

"I've always been one for spinning plates, I can cycle through traffic without being late.

"I feel I have the skills and ability to carry out this role with dignity.

"A sense of fun when appropriate, I would love to represent Harrogate."

Her work outside of medicine has included fundraising, promoting active travel and engaging with residents on a range of local issues.

Outgoing Mayor Chris Aldred praised Councillor Poskitt ahead of the expected handover.

He said:

“Councillor Poskitt brings dedication, compassion and a strong track record of public service.

"Her unique blend of professional experience, community engagement and creativity reflects the values of Harrogate, and I look forward to handing the baton over to Viv so she can continue representing the town in the year ahead.”

Subject to formal approval at the council meeting, Councillor Poskitt will serve as Mayor for the 2026/27 civic year.

More from Local News

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP marks 20,000th case

The office of Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has processed its 20,000th piece of casework.
Flavours of Autumn festival to be held at RHS Harlow Carr

A celebration of seasonal food and homegrown produce is coming to RHS Garden Harlow Carr this weekend.
Le Creuset cookware sale returns to Harrogate

Le Creuset is bringing its biggest UK Factory to Table Sale back to Harrogate later this month.
Council pension fund breaches could be reported to regulator

North Yorkshire councillors are to consider whether a series of breaches involving the county’s pension fund should be reported to the Pensions Regulator.
Volunteers invited to help spruce up Harrogate town centre

Volunteers are being invited to help spruce up Harrogate town centre as part of a new four-day initiative.
Police appeal after three overnight burglaries in Nidderdale

Police have launched an appeal following three overnight burglaries in Nidderdale.
Driver admits drink-driving following fatal Pateley Bridge collision

A driver has admitted being over the alcohol limit following a collision which killed 19-year-old Bailey Chadwick near Pateley Bridge.
Harrogate community groups invited to apply for share of £74,000

Community groups and charities in Harrogate are being invited to apply for a share of more than £74,000 in grant funding.
North Yorkshire Council-owned housing company forecast to lose another £5.8m

North Yorkshire Council's housebuilding company is forecast to make a further £5.8m loss this year, with its financial problems wiping out profits generated elsewhere in the authority’s Brierley Group.
New York rock band to play intimate Harrogate show

New York hard rock band Spread Eagle will perform in Harrogate as part of its latest UK tour.
First rides announced for Harrogate Indoor Funfair

The first rides have been announced ahead of the return of Harrogate Indoor Funfair.
Knaresborough puzzle campaign aims to tackle loneliness

People in Knaresborough are being asked to donate unwanted puzzles and games to help tackle loneliness among older residents.
Cricket pavilion destroyed by fire at Studley Royal

A cricket pavilion in the grounds of Studley Royal has been completely destroyed by fire.
Ripon MP urges Prime Minister to scrap 'Family Farm Tax'

Ripon and Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith has urged the Prime Minister to reverse planned inheritance tax changes affecting family farms.
Artisan markets return to Knaresborough and Harrogate this weekend

Little Bird Made will bring its artisan markets back to Knaresborough and Harrogate this weekend.
Harrogate MP calls for VAT cut to support hospitality businesses

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for a cut in VAT to support local hospitality businesses.
CCTV appeal following assault at Harrogate Tesco

Police have released a CCTV image of a person they would like to speak to following an alleged assault in Harrogate.
Council criticised over Knaresborough EE signal delays

North Yorkshire Council has been criticised after failing to provide a target date for resolving ongoing EE signal problems in Knaresborough.
Prime Minister praises Harrogate MP over disabled bus pass win

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has been praised by the Prime Minister for his campaign to remove time restrictions from disabled bus passes.
Harrogate Town sign Torquay defender Sam Dreyer

Harrogate Town have signed Torquay United centre-back Sam Dreyer for an undisclosed fee.