New mayor says role is a 'privilege and honour'

Cllr Darren Byford will be the Mayor of Wakefield for 2024/25

The new Mayor of Wakefield has been confirmed as Councillor Darren Byford.

Mr Byford is currently the Deputy Mayor and will be formally appointed as the district's mayor at a ceremony on Thursday.

He said it was a "privilege and honour" to be taking up the top job.

The mayor is a ceremonial title conferred by the Royal Charter granted to Wakefield.

'Advocate for our district'

Mr Byford was elected as a councillor for the Horbury and South Ossett ward in 2016, and has been a cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth.

He is also involved in supporting community groups including the Senior Citizens’ Support Group and Horbury Churches Together.

Mr Byford said he wanted to use his year as mayor to "advocate for our district and highlight the many great things that are happening here".

He added he was looking forward to meeting the many "fabulous people, organisations and charities that make our district so special."

Mr Byford said he would work to raise funds for the Memory Action Group during his term in office.

They are a peer support group for people living with dementia and their carers.

Mr Byford will be joined by his husband and consort Peter Davis.

Also supporting the new mayor will be Cllr Maureen Tennant-King who will become the mayor in 2025/26. Her consort is her husband Terry King.

She has represented the Featherstone ward since 2016.

Ms Tennant-King has been a member of the Planning and Highways Committee for eight years and is currently its Deputy Chair. She is also a member of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and represents the council on the Wakefield District Sight Aid board.

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