Mayor elected in Devizes - as in-person meetings return

Cllr Chris Gay – whose father, John Perrett, was mayor of Devizes in 1988 – was officially elected as Mayor for 2021/2022, last night (May 20).

The town council now has to hold face-to-face meetings after the government chose not to renew emergency legislation allowing for meetings to take place online.

Due to social distancing restrictions, the meeting was held in the Corn Exchange, where there was more space, as opposed to the traditional Town Hall.

Councillors were encouraged to go directly to their seats and wore masks when standing.

Despite the slightly watered down ceremony – mayor making traditionally involves slightly more hurrah – Cllr Gay still described the event as a “true honour.”

She already has been acting as mayor since last May, after the sudden death of Andy Johnson, just days after he took on the role in a robing ceremony held via Zoom.

Cllr Gay told councillors she would “fulfil the duties of it [the mayor role] to the best of my judgement and abilities.”

She added: “It is with a mixture of pride and humility that I thank my fellow councillors and accept this great honour of mayor of Devizes

“I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to serve our town and community for a second year.

“Devizes is unique and special, and a town of enormous strength and community engagement.”

Cllr Gay praised the work of the town through the last 16 months and its resilience in adapting to multiple lockdowns, tiers and restrictions.

She hopes to work on a “sensible” Neighbourhood Plan for the town and help support and improve the high street.

Cllr Gay, whose Devizes-based family tree traces back to 1518, is a former pupil of Devizes Grammar School and went on to become a history teacher, working for 20 years at Pewsey Vale School.

She was elected to the council in 2017 as a member of the Devizes Guardians group.

She added: “In my wildest dreams I would never consider that I would be given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of my father who himself was Mayor of Devizes in 1988.

“As for our town, it is a place that I love and which I am immensely proud of.”

Deputy mayor is Cllr Peter Corbett, who also expressed his honour at the opportunity.

He added: "I am extremely privileged to be elected to serve the community and I look forward to carrying out this role over the next 12 months."

Cllr Gay was nominated by Cllr Greenwood, and the nomination was seconded by Cllr Andy Geddes.

Her husband, Steve, will be Mayor's Consort. James and Philip Gay will be High Constables and Rev Gerry Lynch the Mayor's Chaplain. Richard Hopkins will take up the Mayor's Officer role.