The new Mayor of Newton Abbot is Cllr Louise Cooke.
A retired GP surgery manager and practicing Christian, she was appointed on Wednesday May 13 at the Annual Council Meeting, held in Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.
The vote in favour of her candidacy was unanimous.
It is the second term of office for Cllr Cooke who last served in 2013/14.
Addressing the meeting she said: ‘It’s a real privilege to be Mayor of Newton Abbot and also it’s going to be a joy, I’m going to enjoy it.’
Her charities for the year are The Glendinning Academy and the Lighthouse Sensory Room at The Courtenay Centre where she hopes to enable the purchase of additional equipment.
Acknowledging that her status was about to change dramatically, she had words of comfort for her grandchildren who were present for the occasion.
‘Just because I’m Mayor,’ she told them, ‘Doesn’t mean we’re not going to sing to Queen at the tops of our voices in the car because we do it so well.’
Cllr Cooke’s Deputy is Cllr Amanda Ineson who was also appointed at the meeting.
Both will be at Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting in Courtenay Street, providing the public with an opportunity to quiz the new postholders.
Outgoing Mayor Cllr Colin Parker thanked all those who had made his second term an enjoyable one, in particular his wife Jean who had been at his side throughout despite chronic health challenges.
Cllr Parker said it had been an honour to witness ‘the spirit, resilience and pride that defines Newton Abbot’ which, he added, was ‘a strong and vibrant community.’
He cited the recent arrival of new businesses, the pending completion of the indoor market refurbishment and expansion of the Austins department store saying: ‘Things bode well for the future.’
Referring to his duties associated with the Local Government Review he said: ‘I have approached this obligation with care, diligence and a firm commitment to ensuring Newton Abbot’s voice is heard clearly and constructively.’
Cllr Parker made a presentation to his chosen charity, Teignbridge Citizen Advice, offering a cheque for £3,000.
The charity’s Chair of Trustees Board, Andrew Willson, accepted the donation gratefully telling Cllr Parker: ‘You are a genuine man of the people.’
Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting, hosted by Newton Abbot Town Council on behalf of residents, will run from 10am – 1pm and include representatives from several community groups and charities.
