Long-standing councillor becomes city's new mayor

A man who has been a councillor for more than 15 years has been appointed as Peterborough's new mayor.

Chris Halpin, a Peterborough First councillor representing Stanground South ward, took on the roles after a ceremony on Monday.

"I am really looking forward to my time as mayor, it's a great honour, and I would like to thank my fellow councillors for electing me to this prestigious role," he said.

He took over the post from Judy Fox, also a Peterborough First councillor.

The ceremony, held at the annual full council meeting, also saw Liberal Democrats Andrew Bond and Jade Seager sworn in as deputy mayor and deputy mayoress, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The mayor's role is largely ceremonial and lasts one year from May to May.

They are also required to act as a politically impartial chair of the authority, making sure that proper conduct takes place during full council meetings.

They are invited to attend community and fundraising events held for the mayor's charities, which they choose at the start of the civic year.

Harper, whose wife Rita will be the mayoress, announced the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Peterborough Women's Aid and Little Miracles as his chosen charities.

He said: "I've always enjoyed meeting the many wonderful people who help make our historic city tick, and being mayor will give me a further chance to do this, which I'm relishing."

Harper was born and brought up in Peterborough and works for Lloyds Bank as an electrical engineer.

Over the years, he has volunteered with St John Ambulance, as a special constable and as a school governor.

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