New Mayor of Charnwood sworn in for 2025-26

New Mayor of Charnwood sworn in for 2025-26

The new Mayor of Charnwood has been sworn in for 2025-26 following the Council's Annual Meeting on Monday, 12 May.

Cllr David Northage, borough councillor for Shepshed West, says that he is deeply honoured to become the first citizen of the borough.

Cllr Northage will be representing Charnwood at hundreds of events throughout the Mayoral year and will be supported by his wife Jenny Northage as Mayoress.

The Mayor said: "This is an immensely proud moment for both myself and my family to become the 52nd Mayor of Charnwood.

"Charnwood has been my home for my whole life and it is a wonderful borough with some truly extraordinary people.

"I am really looking forward to a busy year ahead, attending lots of events and meeting inspirational people that do so much for the community."

The Mayor's chosen charities for the year ahead are Rainbows, a hospice for children in the East Midlands and The Carpenter's Arms, a Leicestershire-based charity that supports men who are challenged by issues with drugs, alcohol and other addictions.

Cllr Northage was born in Shepshed and attended Shepshed Hind Leys Secondary Modern School.

Upon leaving school, the Mayor continued his education at Loughborough Technical College and started to work for his father's plumbing and heating business. He remained in the industry for his whole working career until retirement.

Since retiring from full-time work, Cllr Northage has been elected to serve on Shepshed Town Council, twice being chairman and has been a Charnwood borough councillor since 2023.

The Mayor of Charnwood has been an active member of several local clubs including Shepshed Charnwood Rotary Club and Shepshed Round Table. He remains a member and has served as chairman of Shepshed 41 Club and the Shepshed Association for the Prosecution of Felons.

Cllr Northage enjoys sport and follows Leicester City and Leicester Tigers as well as keeping active by walking, cycling and playing pickleball.

The appointment of Cllr Northage sees the end of the Mayoral year for Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE.

Cllr Bradshaw said: "It has been an honour to serve as Mayor of Charnwood for the past year.

"I've made some wonderful memories being able to represent the borough at the Remembrance Sunday service in Queen's Park, attending many VE Day anniversary events, being presented the official Loughborough Fair Bell and meeting hundreds of residents through community events over the year.

"I would like to thank everyone that has raised money or donated to my chosen charities, Living Without Abuse and Dogs Trust Loughborough.

"I would like to wish Cllr Northage all the very best for his Mayoral year which I am sure he will thoroughly enjoy."

Cllr Colin Hamilton has been appointed as Deputy Mayor and will be supported by Deputy Mayoress Mrs Emma Lowe.

To find out more about the Mayor of Charnwood, visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/mayor.