The role and function of the Mayor

The Mayor will be elected by Worthing Council annually.

The Mayor, or in his/her absence the Deputy Mayor, will have the following roles, functions and responsibilities:

• Chairing meetings of Full Council:
  • to uphold and promote the purposes of the Constitution, and to interpret the Constitution when necessary, having taken advice from the Solicitor to the Council;
  • to preside over meetings of the Full Council so that its business can be carried out efficiently and with regard to the rights of Councillors and the interests of the community;
  • to ensure that the Full Council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community and the place at which Members who are not on the Cabinet or do not hold Committee Chairs are able to hold the Cabinet and Committee Chairmen to account;
  • to promote public involvement in the Council's activities; and
  • to be the conscience of the Council.

• Civic and Ceremonial Role: The Mayor shall be the First Citizen of the Borough of Worthing and shall have the following civic responsibilities:
  • to attend such civic and ceremonial functions as the Council and the Mayor may determine generally or in appropriate cases;
  • to promote the Council as a whole and act as a focal point for the community;
  • to host functions in order to promote the Council and its interests.

• Generally:
  • The Mayor may promote a Mayor's Charity Appeal for the charity or charities of their choice during their term of office and will make external arrangements for provision of all the support necessary in relation to their involvement with, or support of, that charity appeal.

See also:

• History of the Worthing Town Hall and Mayoralty
• Past Mayors and Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen

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