THE NEW Mayor of Carlisle has pledged to protect the historic role in his acceptance speech, determined to ensure he is not the last.

From April 2023 Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland will be governed by one authority – Cumberland Council.

As such the 2022 Annual General Meeting of Carlisle City Council on Monday will be the authority’s last.

As is tradition, the AGM saw the election of a new mayor and deputy mayor of the city for the ensuing municipal year.

Former leader of the council, Councillor Mike Mitchelson, was elected mayor, joining a long line which stretches back to 1253.

In his acceptance speech, the last mayor elected by Carlisle City Council pledged to ensure the tradition continues when Carlisle becomes part of Cumberland.

Cllr Mitchelson said: "As you are aware, Local Government in Cumbria is changing and we will become part of the new Cumberland Council, so it is rather strange that this will be the last mayor as we have known it and as chairman of the city council.

"I have checked and unfortunately the last one wearing the chain does not get to keep it.

"But seriously, it is vitally important that we protect our city status and that there will be future mayors of Carlisle."

A mayor or chief executive traditionally holds the charter for a city, granting it city status.

Cllr Mitchelson said: "There is legislation currently being processed which will allow a Community Governance Review which will provide for the creation of Charter Trustees who will be responsible for future mayors.”

A Community Governance Review can also include the creation of a town or parish council for an area.

A city council spokesperson said that officers are currently working at pace to ensure the council overhaul includes charter trustees, granting Carlisle city status and a mayor after Cumberland Council’s official start date.

Cllr Mitchelson, who has also been elected to serve Brampton on the new authority, said: "I can assure you that I will be working with the city council to make sure this process is established in time for the new council arrangements next April.”

Carlisle City Council leader John Mallinson announced a change to his executive at the meeting.

Cllr Keith Meller will join the leadership with a new portfolio not previously seen on the city council executive.

Cllr Meller will be responsible for the transition to the new unitary council.

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