New Mayor for Cheshire East

Councillor Sarah Pochin has been elected Mayor of Cheshire East.

The Independent member for Bunbury was sworn in at a virtual mayor-making ceremony on Tuesday 4 May.

Her deputy, elected by members, is Independent Councillor David Marren, who represents Shavington, near Crewe.

Cllr Pochin, who is a magistrate, has represented Bunbury since 2019 and was first elected as a member of Cheshire East Council, for Willaston and Rope ward, in 2015.

By tradition, both the mayor and deputy mayor are non-political roles, carrying out civic duties on behalf of the council and residents of the borough.

The mayor chairs meetings of Cheshire East Council and can use his or her casting vote, if required to do so.

The mayor is seen as the first citizen of the borough and can expect to attend many events during the civic year. These can range from fun events among communities and local schools to solemn occasions such as Remembrance Day.

Cllr Pochin was sworn into office, along with her husband Jon, as mayor's consort.

Because of Covid restrictions the ceremony was carried out via video link, rather than the usual formal public ceremony.

Cllr Pochin said on her election as mayor: "I am taking the chair of the council at a time of fundamental change for Cheshire East as it moves from a cabinet system to a committee system. As chair, I will be focussing on supporting members and officers with the smooth introduction of the new system.

"I am honoured to have been elected Mayor of Cheshire East and will work tirelessly to be an ambassador for our borough. I hope to modernise the mayoralty, making it more relatable to residents and to use the publicity the mayor can bring to raise the profile of those good causes that need a voice.

"I thank you all for your support and I hope to be a worthy successor to Cllr Burkhill, the outgoing mayor."

The meeting of full council also elected Councillor Sam Corcoran (Labour, Sandbach Heath and East) leader of the council and Councillor Craig Browne (Independent, Alderley Edge) as deputy leader.