The Mayor of Kettering

The Mayor is elected every May at Annual Council, by councillors, from amongst their number. The Mayor for 2024/25 will be elected at the Annual Town Council Meeting on Wednesday 15 May as part of the historic Mayor-Making Ceremony.

The Council also elects a Deputy Mayor at the same time, and it is generally the case that the Deputy Mayor becomes Mayor the following year.

The Mayor chairs meetings of full Council and is also the first citizen of the town of Kettering.

The Mayor of Kettering attends hundreds of events each year to support and promote activities, groups and events in the town.

These include visiting schools and groups such as guides, scouts and cadets, opening new shops and businesses in the town, attending civic concerts and services and much more.

The Mayor of Kettering has been in existence since 1938 and the Mayor's robes are the original garments made that year.

Mayor of Kettering 2024/25

Town councillors in Kettering have elected Cllr Craig Skinner as Mayor of Kettering for 2024/25.

Cllr Craig Skinner was selected to be the First Citizen of Kettering at the Annual Council meeting on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

During the ancient Mayor Making ceremony, Cllr Skinner was installed as Mayor and formally promised to carry out his duties to the best of his judgement and ability.

Working with Cllr Skinner for the year will be his Mayoral Cadet, 16-year-old Cpl Matilda Field from the 1101 (Kettering & District) Squadron Air Cadets. This is a first for the town council, resurrecting an older tradition of appointing a young person to accompany the Mayor on official engagements.

Cllr Skinner has selected Kettering Mind to be his chosen charity for the year, with all fundraising going to support the service.

Cllr Skinner will be available to attend and support events across the town. Enquiries to book the Mayor can be made to Emma Dezelu by emailing [email protected].

The Deputy Mayor is Cllr Alexander Evelyn who can attend official events in the Mayor's absence.

Donate to the Mayor of Kettering's Fund

The Mayor of Kettering has chosen Kettering Mind as his charity for the year.

The charity provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Their main priorities are:
People with mental health problems
People from racialised communities
People in poverty
Children and young people

Cllr Craig Skinner said: "I'm delighted to be partnering with Kettering Mind as my Mayoral charity for the year, and I will be highlighting the great support on offer throughout my time as Mayor."

Donate here to Kettering Mind

Local beer is fit for a Mayor

The Mayor of Kettering is raising funds during his year with a specially-brewed beer.

Called "Worship" the ale has been created by Kettering's Potbelly Brewery and will be available throughout Cllr Craig Skinner's year in office.

The India Pale Ale will be available in shops and pubs across Kettering, as well as being on sale direct from the brewery and beer festivals throughout the year.

Cllr Skinner said: "Potbelly do some amazing beers and it was really hard to choose just one as my featured beer. I went for the IPA as it's a good summery choice with a citrus hoppy taste. I thought that this would be a great way to support a local business while raising cash for my chosen charity, Kettering Mind."

Caroline Johnson from Potbelly Brewery said: "We are really pleased to be able to make this beer for the Mayor of Kettering. It will be available in shops and pubs and also at beer festivals across the year."

Worship IPA 4.0% is available from the brewery in Sydney Street which is open for sales weekdays and Friday evenings and the beer costs £3 for a 500ml bottle or £30 for a case of 12. Customers can order online www.potbellybrewery.co.uk or by emailing caroline@potbellybrewery.co.uk or calling 01536 410818.

The beer will also be stocked in Kafe Bloc in Sheep Street, Kettering.

Would you like to book the Mayor to come to your event?

The Mayor would be very happy to meet or visit your group or organisation. Whether it be opening an event or business, giving a talk about democracy, organising a visit to your school or group to talk about the role of mayor, lending support to a new initiative, or giving prizes to students, The Mayor would be happy to be asked to attend.

Please enquire about The Mayor's availability by contacting the Town Council - just drop us an email with dates, times, a brief summary of the event and we will get back to you or fill in the form below.

Email deputyclerk@ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk

Call 01536 697490