Beverley elects youngest ever mayor with Online Mayor Making

History was made on two counts in Beverley on Monday evening when the town's youngest ever mayor, Cllr Tom Astell, 24,  was elected using virtual meeting technology.

The ancient Mayor making ceremony was conducted online, with councillors electing their new mayor from their own homes due to the lockdown restrictions.

Cllr Tom Astell is thought to be Beverley's youngest mayor in the 450 years history of the office. Following the mayor making meeting, Cllr Astell said: "Being chosen as the youngest ever mayor of our wonderful town is the biggest honour of my life; my proudest moment. My fellow councillors have given me a great privilege and responsibility, and I thank them for placing their trust in me.

"I firmly believe that our town encompasses everything that is great about our country. A rich history, brimming with culture, beautiful architecture, forward thinking and quintessentially British.

"It's going to be different to the kind of year I had expected as Mayor, but the circumstances will inspire all of us to focus on the values that really matter. People coming together, caring for one another, looking out for their neighbours, channelling their efforts into supporting their communities.

"This spirit of love, strong resolve and courage is shaping what the town will be after this crisis. These are the things that matter to me; the things that will guide my year in office. I want to use my office at this time to help forge that spirit of togetherness."

Cllr Astell was nominated by Councillor Denis Healey to become Mayor for 2020 - 2021. He is following in his fathers footsteps after being involved in the community for many years, and is passionate about social justice. He has been involved in the youth parliament, has spoken at the dispatch box in the House of Commons, and has been involved with the council for many years. Cllr Astell's partner, Alex Moor, will be the Mayor's consort. 

Cllr Linda Johnson was elected to serve as Deputy Mayor, with her husband, Graham Johnson, in support as her consort. Linda has been involved in the local community for many years serving as a trustee at Toll Gavel Church, Governor at East Riding College, Volunteer in many local groups, active with the running of the Folk festival, assisting local business as a member of the Beverley Chamber of Trade and a previous editor for Just Beverley Magazine.

Cllr Denis Healy, Leader of the ruling Lib Dem group on Beverley Town Council said; "Tom will be a brilliant mayor for the town. In him we have a strong symbol of youth, diversity and equality; all values which the Town Council holds so dearly. Already in his young life, Tom has been driven by a massive sense of service; his respect for the elderly, for those who serve their country as key workers, his care for the vulnerable. They are all qualities that make him very special.

"Linda is also someone who is also so apt for civic duty. She is incredibly well known in the town for her community ethos, having served as a Governor at Longcroft and East Riding College. She has been on the Chamber of Trade and has been involved in numerous fundraising activities and festivals. She works tirelessly as an East Riding Councillor in St Mary's ward, and is driven by her passion for the environment and her strong Christian faith. Together, Tom and Linda are going to be an awesome team.

"I also want to pay tribute to the Town Clerk, Helen Watson, and her team of hard working staff, especially for ensuring that Beverley Town Council has continued to function and conduct its duties during the lockdown.

Beverley Town Council is the only local council that I know of, that is using virtual meeting technology to conduct its business, and the fact that we were able to continue the ancient Mayor making tradition tonight using technology, is something they can all take credit for. I'm so proud of them all."