Hundreds of people lined the streets of Stafford town centre at the weekend as a military parade welcomed the new Mayor of the Borough.  

Councillor Mark Winnington, was presented with the chains of office as the new Mayor of Stafford Borough during a ceremony at the town’s Gatehouse Theatre on Saturday (16th).

He took over the role from Councillor Jenny Barron at the annual meeting of the council - which is commonly known as ‘Mayor Making.’ It was followed by a church service and then the parade.  

The march through the town included the Stafford-based Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) of the RAF, the local branch of the Royal British Legion, Stafford Burgesses Guild, Stafford and Rugeley Sea Cadets, 395 Stafford (Sqn) RAF Cadets, 5th Stafford Boys Brigade and Girls Association, Girlguiding Stafford – along with other organisations.

Among the Civic Party were Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Simon Davies, HMS Collingwood Commanding Officer, Captain John Cromie and TSW Squadron Leader R Upton.

Councillor Winnington said it was an ‘honour’ to have been chosen as the borough’s ‘first citizen’ – a role that dates back more than 400 years. His wife, Rosie, became the Mayoress.

He will be raising funds during his Civic year for Katharine House Hospice and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Councillor Winnington was first elected to the borough council in 2003 and currently represents the Gnosall and Woodseaves Ward on the local authority. He has also served as a Staffordshire County Councillor and is a member of Ranton Parish Council.

He said: “It is a great honour and I thank everyone for putting their faith in me. I am looking forward to representing the borough and promoting it as a great place to live and work.

“I was born here, I went to school here, and I live and work here – and that makes me so proud to now be the ‘first citizen’ of an area I really cherish. It will be an incredible 12 months in office and I hope to raise the profile of this borough while raising money for my chosen charities.”

Councillor Frank James became Deputy Mayor. He represents the borough ward of Holmcroft and previously served as Mayor in 2024/25.

Press Release No 6295