A return to familiar leadership is on the cards after councillors backed a former civic figure to once again take up the chains of office.
Tiverton Town Council has elected Councillor Sue Griggs as its next mayor, with her term set to begin in May. She will replace Councillor Neal Davey, who has chosen not to continue in the role.
Councillor Steve Bush put forward Cllr Griggs for the position, praising her previous time in office. He said: “I would like to nominate Councillor Sue Griggs for the position of mayor for the next year. I think Cllr Griggs has done an excellent job previously as mayor and I think she could do an excellent job again.”
The nomination was supported by Councillor Chris Berry, who highlighted her visibility and engagement within the community. He said: “I very much support this. Councillor Griggs has done a fantastic job and is well known for it in the past.
“She gets well and truly involved in it and I think she brings a lovely face to the town when she’s doing that, going around and getting involved in all the activities. I think her experience will be very wise this time.”
There were no other nominations for the position.
Councillors also voted on the role of deputy mayor for the 2026/2027 civic year.
Councillor Beckett Fish nominated Councillor Ben Holdman, citing his reputation locally. He said: “He’s a popular character around town, talks to a lot of people, he’s served his position well, so I’d like to put forward Councillor Ben Holdman as deputy mayor.”
Councillor Matt Farrell backed the nomination, adding: “I agree with everything Cllr Fish said. I’ve seen first hand how much Cllr Holdman dedicates to this role and the time he makes available for this and it would help us with a sense of continuity as unfortunately our current mayor has decided not to continue.”
An alternative nomination was made by Councillor Sophia Beard, who proposed Cllr Bush for the role. She said: “I’d like to nominate Cllr Steve Bush as I think that his vigilance and dedication to this council has been shown through the years he’s sat around this table and it’s time that was taken to the next level in terms of contribution to this council.”
Councillor Tim Bridger also spoke in support of Cllr Bush, pointing to his long-standing service. He said: “Councillor Bush has been involved in this council for 13 years now but his association with the people of Tiverton goes back far far greater than that.
“His dedication to the town is unparalleled and he will do an exceptional job in supporting Cllr Griggs in her role, bringing an awful lot of experience and knowledge of the area and somebody who can be a unifying person for this council.”
Following the vote, Cllr Holdman was elected as deputy mayor for the 2026/2027 year.
