Southampton welcomes new Lord Mayor in city’s 803rd Mayoral Year

On Wednesday 14 May, civic dignitaries, councillors, and members of the public came together to welcome Southampton’s new Lord Mayor

In the traditional Mayor Making ceremony held at O2 Guildhall, the Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor James Baillie and Sheriff (Deputy Lord Mayor) Councillor Pat Evemy, began their year-long term of office.

Councillor Baillie took his oath of office and received the prestigious Mayoral Chain and robes during the ceremony.

Councillor Baillie, The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, said: “It is a great honour to have this opportunity to serve the people of Southampton as Lord Mayor. I feel incredibly humbled to share the room today with so many wonderful people that have already achieved so much for Southampton. I am really looking forward to the year ahead and working with the people that make our city the great place it is.”

The Lord Mayor’s chosen charities are Saints Foundation, Mountbatten Hampshire, and The Courage Foundation.

The new Children’s Mayor was also introduced at the Mayor Making event. Zeyno Arabaci of Highfield Primary School was selected after her Southampton Super Skills Project idea impressed council officers.

The Children’s Mayor of Southampton Zeyno Arabaci said: “I am really excited that I am going to go to lots of events on behalf of the children of Southampton. My project is the Super Skills network where I want to bring people together to teach people new skills. Adults teaching children but also children teaching adults. I will put boards in schools and libraries where people can identify what skills they would either like to learn or share. This will be free for all and at the end of the year, I will hold a Super Skills Star Festival to celebrate all that we have achieved. I can’t wait to get started!”