At the Annual Council Meeting, held on Tuesday 6 May in front of invited guests and dignitaries, the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Abena Akuffo-Kelly gave a farewell speech after a successful year having raised over £7,500 for her nominated charities (HomeStart Shepway, Nepalese Community Centre and the Community Fridge).

Councillor Akuffo-Kelly was presented with a gift from Councillors and thanked for her hard work in promoting Folkestone and raising money for charity throughout the year.

Councillor Lucy McGirr was elected The Worshipful Town Mayor of Folkestone for the year 2025-26.  The Mayor announced Revd. Chris Johnson, of St. Mary & St. Eanswythe’s Church, as her Chaplain for the year, Cadet Sgt Holly Kasinathan from the 99 (Folkestone) Squadron RAFC was named as the Mayor’s Cadet and Cllr McGirr’s husband, Mr Tim McGirr, was named as Consort.

The Town Mayor announced that her nominated charities for the year will be East Folkestone Youth Club and the Community Network.

Councillor McGirr commented “I am over the moon and overwhelmed at being elected the Town Mayor of Folkestone and I am looking forward to an exciting and busy year ahead.  I am mum to three young children, two with additional needs, and I want to give a voice for the people who struggle.  I am also looking forward to representing Folkestone in the town and further afield.”

Councillor Jackie Meade was elected as Deputy Town Mayor and thanked Councillors for the nomination.

If you would like to invite the Mayor to an event, please contact georgina.wilson@folkestone-tc.gov.uk or call 01303 257946.