Winchester district welcomes new Mayor virtually
Cllr Patrick Cunningham has officially become the 821st Mayor of Winchester.
The district’s mayoralty is the second oldest in England dating back to 1200, and for the first time in history, the Mayor took office virtually at the city council’s annual council meeting.
The Mayor’s chosen charities will be Winchester Young Carers, Home-Start Winchester and Youth Options.
Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Cunningham, said: “Being elected as Mayor of Winchester is the greatest honour of my life. I will embrace the challenge and together with my wife Joy, I hope to be able to get out and meet as many residents as possible when circumstances permit. These are uncertain times but I have been truly inspired by the community spirit alive I’ve witnessed, and the selfless desire to help each other, especially the most vulnerable in our society. This has stood out like a beacon. I pay tribute also to the individuals, volunteers, charities and community, faith and village groups that have sprung up to help those in need – whether with shopping, prescriptions or a simple comforting phone call. I want to recognise all these individuals that make Winchester a better place to live and be proud of. Finally I’d like to express my thanks to all the health and care workers, front line and support services staff and the thousands of key workers across our district who are working selflessly to get us all through this pandemic.”
The Mayor’s full acceptance speech can be viewed online here.
Cllr Patrick Cunningham's Official Mayor Making Speech