TROOPER COOPER BACK IN CHAINS!
Veteran councillor appointed mayor for second time
A VETERAN councillor has been elected Mayor of Newcastle for the second time.
Conservative May Bank representative John Cooper, who has served his community for two decades, began his second term as mayor on Wednesday night.
The full council meeting was attended both in person and via video-conference after it was delayed from its usual May date due to the coronavirus crisis.
Councillor Cooper, who was previously mayor in 2008/09, will represent the borough at civic events during the remainder of the municipal year. He has chosen to raise money for the Alice Charity, which supports disadvantaged and vulnerable families in Newcastle. He will also chair full council meetings.
The 75-year-old father of four, who is also chair of Bradwell Lodge, said: “It’s difficult to put into words but it’s an absolute honour and privilege to represent this loyal and ancient borough for a second time. I feel extremely proud.
“It certainly feels a bit different to be mayor this time around but I’m up for the challenge and will do my best, especially when it comes to raising as much money as possible for charity.”
A former engineer from Wolstanton, Councillor Cooper has chosen Angela – his wife of 40 years – as mayoress and grandsons Isaac Nixon, 20, and
Sean Cooper, 19, as high constables.
Independent councillor Ken Owen, who represents Holditch and Chesterton, is deputy mayor.
The traditional mayormaking ceremony was revised to follow Covid-19 guidelines, with residents able to watch it on the council’s Youtube channel, live and after the event.
Retiring mayor Simon White and consort Gary White were thanked for their services during the past year.