A New Mayor for Northampton

Northampton Borough Council held its annual Full Council and Mayormaking meeting today via video conference.

The role of First Citizen of Northampton has now passed from Councillor Nazim Choudary to Councillor Brian Sargeant, who became the 780th Mayor of Northampton during the historic ceremony. His wife, Ray Kelly-Sargeant, will he his Mayoress.

Cllr Sargeant has served Northampton Borough Council for the last decade, serving as Chair and Deputy on the Licensing Committee, Deputy Chair on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and on the Civic Committee, preserving the town’s Mayoralty traditions for future generations.

Cllr Sargeant’s family has a rich history in the town – with his family name dating back to the 11^th  Century. Many of Cllr Sargeant’s ancestors were also Mayors of the Borough, dating back to the time of King James l, in 1616, 1628, 1636, 1642, 1644, 1656 and 1671 and 1683.

The family have also been Hereditary Freemen of the Borough since the 1530’s. Freemen were traditionally tradesmen or gentlemen who governed Northampton until 1835.

The Beckett and Sargeant Trust School was established in 1735 by two daughters of Cllr Sargeant’s relatives, Dorothy Beckett and Ann Sargeant. Their memorials are in All Saints’ Church, Northampton. The trust school building is now occupied by The Lowdown – Cllr Sargeant’s chosen charity for his mayoral year – and continuing his family legacy of helping the youth of this town.

Councillor Sargeant said: “I am hugely honoured, excited and humbled to become the 780^th Mayor of Northampton. I am also incredibly proud to have my wife Ray as my Mayoress.

“As the new Mayor, I will endeavour to lead as First Citizen of our Borough. these are difficult times, but through the resilience of the people of Northampton and the County, better times will come.

“Please take heed of advice, and thank God for our heroes of in the National Health Service and all our frontline and keyworkers, who are working so hard and risking their lives for us all.

“I am delighted to announce that The Lowdown is are my chosen charity this year – carrying on the Sargeant family’s tradition of helping our youth lead a better life.”

Sharon Wormsley, Chief Executive of the Lowdown, said: “We are delighted to be the Mayor’s chosen charity for the second year running. This support will continue to help raise awareness of the vital services we offer to the young people of Northampton, particularly during these challenging times.”

Cllr Sargeant’s Deputy Mayor is Cllr Rufia Ashraf whose consort will be her husband, Abu Ashraf.

If you would like to contribute to the Mayor’s charity, or would like more information about the Mayor, please contact the Mayor’s Office at the Guildhall on 01604 837804 or email mayor@northampton.gov.uk