New Mayor named for town (From Warrington Guardian)

Clr Steve Wright is new Mayor in Warrington

7:58am Tuesday 22nd May 2012 in News

‘A TRUE working class hero’ has taken up the mayoral chains for 2012.

Clr Steve Wright was sworn in as the 129th Mayor of Warrington at the Town Hall on Monday along with his wife Julie, who will be the town’s Mayoress.

Clr Hans Mundry, who works alongside Clr Wright in their Latchford East ward, praised his appointment.

He said: “Steve is proud of his working class upbringing that has given him a hard working ethic.

“He’s a true working class hero, anyone can achieve anything if they work hard enough.

“It’s a pleasure working with him because he’s a friend.”

The Labour and Co-operative councillor grew up in Orford and councillors heard how it was the first time that the council had a Mayor, leader and deputy leader who all went to the same school - Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School.

He works as a co-ordinator at the Latchford Community Hub and is the chairman of the Friends of Westy Park.

The Mayor said: “To be made mayor of your home town is truly humbling, I accept that office in that spirit of humility.

“I will strive to ensure everything I do will be for the benefit of the people of Warrington.

“I was first elected six years ago after many years as a community activist. I will fully intend to put as much dedication and enthusiasm into my role as mayor while never forgetting I’m a local councillor.”

He and childhood sweetheart Julie met when they were 12 and 13 in Orford and later married at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latchford where they live.

His five children Michelle, Dawn, Stephen, Paul and Thomas were there to see their dad become Mayor, and Clr Wright also has seven grandchildren.

Messages of congratulations came from the party leaders.

Council leader Terry O’Neill (LAB - Burtonwood and Winwick) said “I have every confidence you will be a brilliant mayor.”

New Conservative leader Clr Paul Kennedy (CON - Hatton, Stretton and Walton) said: “You will do a fantastic job, this council has a very proud tradition of electing very good mayors to represent our town.”

While Liberal Democrat leader Ian Marks said: “You have been an excellent deputy mayor. I know you are a very proud campaigner of your community.”

The mayoral charities for this year were announced as Warrington Charities Trust, St Joseph’s Family Centre and the British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association.

“In my role as a councillor I see first hand the benefits and difference these charities make on a day to day basis,” added the Mayor.