Stoke-on-Trent’s 93rd Lord Mayor

Stoke-on-Trent’s Lord Mayor for 2019/20 is was announced as Springfields and Trent Vale Councillor Jackie Barnes.

Councillor Barnes is to officially become the 93rd Lord Mayor of the city and receive the iconic gold civic chain at the annual council meeting to be held on Thursday, May 23. She takes over as the city’s First Citizen from Dresden and Florence councillor, Lilian Dodd, having served as the Deputy Lord Mayor and as a councillor for seven and a half years.

“I am really looking forward to the role of Lord Mayor and being an ambassador for Stoke-on-Trent,” said Councillor Barnes. “I have enjoyed my year as Deputy Lord Mayor and would like to thank Councillor Dodd for her year in office – it has been a pleasure to serve alongside her. It is a great honour to take on this role and I am ready for a busy and exciting year ahead.”

Councillor Dodd said: “I am pleased that Councillor Barnes is taking on such a fulfilling and significant role. I’ve met so many brilliant people during a fantastic and humbling year, and am sure that Councillor Barnes will do a brilliant job at representing our great city. I’d like to thank her for the support she has given me in her role as Deputy Lord Mayor and wish her all the best for this coming year.”

Councillor Barnes will raise money for three civic charities during her 12 months as the city’s first citizen. She has chosen to support the following charities during her time in office: The Alice Charity – a charity that provides essential help and support to families in Newcastle and Stoke.
Savana – a charity based in North Staffordshire that provides support for anyone who has experienced or is affected by any form of sexual violence including rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, ‘honour’ related violence and childhood sexual abuse, whether recently or in the past. G & D Reptiles Rescue and Re-homing – a small family-run reptile centre in Stoke-on-Trent that works to rescue and re-home reptiles.