The borough has a new first citizen after councillor Keith Chapman was sworn in as mayor of Basingstoke and Deane at a special ceremony last week.
Cllr Chapman will serve in the top civic role until May 2011 after taking over from previous incumbent Brian Gurden. Formerly cabinet member for sport and leisure, Cllr Chapman has championed many causes in the borough and was the driving force behind Basingstoke’s top entertainment venue - the Anvil.
A long-serving councillor, he has held the office of Mayor once before in 1992/1993 and money raised throughout the year will benefit a number of key charities. He commented: “I am really looking forward to it now they decision has been made my the local authority. My wife and I have got right back into the stride – where we left off last time – and I am looking forward to meeting as many people as possible. My themes for this year will be business, sport and young people.
“If I can help local businesses through this office then that is what I shall do.”
Previous Mayor, councillor Brian Gurden raised more than £80,000 for The Wessex Cancer Trust, Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance and Young People’s Information in his mayoral year. He was also able to give thousands-of-pounds to the Haiti appeal via the Salvation Army and Naomi House Children’s Hospice. The former mayor thanked the people of Basingstoke for their support.
The political struggle for the position of mayor saw Phil Heath decline to take on the ceremonial robes. Councillor Heath will serve as deputy mayor for the second successive year after his ascension to the top role was blocked by the ruling Conservative party.
