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.”
Hospice officially opens new Boroughbridge shop
Knaresborough woman's appeal to find missing ashes ring
Harrogate pupils raise £386 for charity through Christmas Carols
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winner revealed
New premises will lead to expansion for Harrogate hearing specialist
Council grants £1,000 for Ripon history project
Harrogate community comes together to keep town's Christmas spirit alive
Yorkshire Air Ambulance welcomes new helicopter to its fleet
Yellow weather warning issued for strong winds this weekend
Harrogate’s Big Wheel to end tomorrow due to weather warning
Harrogate children raise £800 to help flush poverty down the loo
Christmas highlights on Your Harrogate Radio
Restaurant at luxury estate near Harrogate named in Michelin Guide
Harrogate youngsters first to ride new electric buses en route to meet Santa
Ripon students spread festive cheer to local care homes
Harrogate Self Care week set to return in New Year
Knaresborough charity shop celebrates fifth birthday
Harrogate school receives hi-vis donations to stay safe in winter
Mainstream schools in North Yorkshire to receive SEND support
Harrogate classic car club donate £1,750 to charity following annual show
