To elect the Mayor for the Municipal Year 2026/27.
Minutes:
The Mayor then asked for nominations for the Office of Mayor for 2026/27.
Councillor Richard Henry firstly thanked the Mayor and her Consort for their successful year in Office. He then nominated Councillor Lloyd Briscoe for the Office of Mayor.
Councillor Henry informed the Council that Councillor Lloyd Briscoe had represented Martins Wood Ward since 2014 and had served as Deputy Mayor over the past year. During this time, he had contributed to a wide range of committees, task forces and action groups. He had also served for seven years as a Cabinet Member, with responsibility for the Economy, Skills and Transport Portfolio.
Councillor Henry further noted that, for the past eight years, Councillor Briscoe had been a member of the committee of the Oval Community Association. Through his role as a Portfolio Holder, he had supported initiatives relating to regeneration, local business, transport improvements and neighbourhood development.
He also highlighted Councillor Briscoe’s long-standing passion for Stevenage Football Club, noting that he was widely recognised as the club’s official historian, preserving its history and heritage. Through his work with the Supporters Association, he had championed fan representation, community involvement and the protection of the club’s identity. Councillor Briscoe was also a regular volunteer at Broadhall Way on match days.
Councillor Henry described Councillor Briscoe as approachable, knowledgeable and passionate, and someone who was deeply proud of Stevenage. He then formally welcomed him as the Mayor of Stevenage.
The nomination was seconded by Councillor Myla Arceno, who expressed her support for her fellow Martins Wood Ward councillor, describing him as a dedicated and committed representative who would serve the role of Mayor with distinction. Councillor Arceno then spoke of Councillor Briscoe’s connection with Stevenage Borough Football Club and his love of engaging with people from differing backgrounds in Stevenage and his strong foundation for community and charitable works.
There being no other nominations, a vote was taken and it was RESOLVED that Councillor Lloyd Briscoe be elected as Mayor for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.
Councillor Lloyd Briscoe then made the statutory declaration of office.
The Mayor then announced that Sarah Pattison would be the Mayoress for 2026/27.
The Mayor thanked the Council for his election and for the support and the trust placed in him to undertake the role of Mayor of the Borough of Stevenage.
The Mayor paid tribute to Councillor Nazmin Chowdhury, the outgoing Mayor, and her Consort, thanking them for the manner in which they had undertaken their many duties over the past year. He advised that it had been a pleasure to attend a number of events as Deputy Mayor on several occasions and expressed his appreciation for their guidance, advice and support.
The Mayor stated that he, together with his partner, Sarah, were honoured to have the opportunity to promote all that is best about Stevenage and the Borough. He informed the Council that he had lived and grown up in Stevenage and spoke of his strong personal connection to the town. He emphasised his commitment to championing Stevenage and representing the Borough to the very best of his ability throughout his Mayoral year.
The Mayor advised that his chosen charities for the year would be The Muster Point and the Stevenage Community Trust.