New Mayor and Deputy for Jubilee and Olympic year
After a year as Deputy, Cllr Colin Rayner is set to become Mayor in one of the most high profile years in the borough's history - with Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic Games at Eton Dorney.
At last night's council meeting Cllr Rayner was named Mayor-Elect for 2012/13, succeeding Cllr Asghar Majeed who comes to the end of his official year in May. Cllr Andrew Jenner was nominated as Deputy Mayor Elect.
Cllr Rayner was elected to represent Horton and Wraysbury ward in 2005 and will take over his new role on Tuesday 22 May when councillors will be asked to formally elect him to the office at the council's annual meeting.
In his seven years as a councillor Cllr Rayner has served the community in a number of leading roles, particularly as the cabinet member for highways and streetcare between 2007 and 2011. He is also a former chairman of Windsor Town Forum, Windsor and Eton Town Centre Management Board and the borough's flood forum and former vice-chairman of the crime and disorder forum and visitor management forum, as well as serving on the Windsor development control panel.
A past chairman of Royal East Berkshire Agricultural Association and Maidenhead Young Farmers, Cllr Rayner is a member of Windsor Horse Show and the Royal Forest Agricultural Association. He is a governor of Berkshire College of Agriculture, a member of Horton Parish Council (as is his wife, Samantha) and a Freeman of the City of London - an honour bestowed in recognition of his agricultural work.
In his year as Deputy Mayor he supported Cllr Majeed by carrying out more than 100 civic engagements.
Cllr Rayner said he was 'absolutely thrilled' by the prospect of being the borough's first citizen in such a momentous year.
He said: "There have been many high points in my council career but this is the pinnacle, not only to be Mayor of such an amazing borough - a wonderful prize in itself - but in a year that will see the borough the focus of global attention as we join the celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and welcome the world for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"I am very conscious of the trust being placed in me to represent the borough, and the past year as Deputy has given me a valuable introduction to this prestigeous role. I am really looking forward to getting to know even more of the community and charity organisations that are the backbone of our society.
"I know it's going to be a very busy year but I relish the hard work ahead and I am determined to do the borough proud. I am pleased to have received the full support of my fellow ward councillor, John Lenton, who will take on some of my ward responsibilities."
Cllr Rayner paid tribute to the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Majeed, for his tireless charity work and commitment to bringing people together. He added: "Cllr Majeed has been a superb role model."
A working farmer in the family business based in Horton and other parts of the borough, Cllr Rayner and his wife have three children - 14-year-old triplets Alice, Isabelle and Victoria. Mrs Rayner will be the Mayoress.
Cllr Jenner was elected to represent the people of Maidenhead Riverside Ward in 2011 - his second period as a local councillor having served previously from 2000 to 2003 when he served as cabinet member for leisure and culture and was chairman of Maidenhead development control panel.
Chairman of the licensing panel and vice-chairman of the visitor management forum, he is also a member of the leisure, culture and libraries overview and scrutiny panel, Maidenhead town forum and Maidenhead development control panel.
Cllr Jenner said his year as Deputy Mayor would be a tremendous opportunity to serve the borough and develop his keen interest in helping those who volunteer.
He said: "I never cease to be amazed by the selfless dedication of people who give their time and talents to helping others in our community. I am keen to get to know borough volunteers, learn more about their work and use my year as Deputy Mayor to draw attention to the incredible contribution they make to our borough."
A local magistrate and businessman for more than 20 years, Cllr Jenner is a former chairman of Maidenhead Carnival, past president of the local chamber of commerce (having servied for two terms of office) and is president of both the Sea Cadets and the Starfish charity, which aims to stimulate children with disabilities through water activities at the Magnet Leisure Centre.
Cllr Jenner's wife, Julia, will be the Deputy Mayoress. The couple have three grown-up children - Kirsty, Kylie and Aaron.
The council's annual meeting is on Tuesday 22 May in the Desborough Suite of the Town Hall, starting at 7.30pm.
Source: http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/1612_news_mayor_announcement.htm