List of mayors of Colchester explained

The Mayor of Colchester sits as non-political chairman of Colchester Borough Council and serves as the civic representative of the borough. The mayoralty is customarily awarded to the most senior councillor of one of the political groups

Current Mayor

The incumbent Mayor of Colchester - from late May 2022 - is Cllr Tim Young (Labour)

Colchester's Mayor from October 2020 was Councillor Robert Davison, a Conservative. Like his predecessor Cllr Nick Cope, Cllr Davidson held office for 18 months rather than the traditional year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The role of Mayor

The mayor is the chief citizen and represents the borough throughout their year of office. The Mace, carried by the Town Serjeant on ceremonial occasions and into the council chamber, is the symbol of that authority.

The mayor sits as non-political chairman of the council. The mayoralty is customarily awarded to the most senior councillor of one of the political groups, who take it in turn. The nomination is only rarely challenged. The mayor serves for a year as Deputy Mayor.

The annual ceremony of the installation of a new mayor takes place each May, following the borough council elections. The mayor's election takes place at the first meeting of the newly formed council.

The council, officers and members of the public gather in the Moot Hall to welcome the incoming mayor who takes the oath administered by the Town Clerk.

The Mayor's Parlour

The Mayor's Parlour is the Colchester Town Hall office where the Mayor works, as well as the reception suite for visitors. The borough regalia (including The Mace), is also displayed there, and represents gifts to the town as well as items of the borough's heritage.

The Mayor's Charities

Throughout their year in office, the Mayor organises events to raise money for their charities ("The Mayor's Charities").

List of Colchester mayors

Post-1835

Mayors subsequent to the passing of the Municipal Corporation Act 1835.

2000–present

1990–1999

1980–1989

1970–1979

1960–1969

1950–1959

1940–1949

1930–1939

1920–1929

1910–1919

1900–1909

1890–1899

1880–1889

1870–1879

1860–1869

1850–1859

1840–1849

1836–1839

Pre-1835

Mayors prior to the passing of the Municipal Corporation Act 1835. (Source: Charles Benham.)

1830–1835

1820–1829

1810–1819

1800–1809

1790–1799

1780–1789

1770–1779

1763–1769

1730–1740

1720–1729

1710–1719

1700–1709

1690–1699

1680–1689

1670–1679

1660–1669

1650–1659

1640–1649

1635–1639

Notes and References

  1. Election of Mayors . 11 November 1902 . 12 . 36922.
  2. Election of Mayors . 11 November 1901 . 7 . 36609.