Council seeks to preserve role of Mayor of Spelthorne

30 September 2026

At an Extraordinary Council meeting on 28 September, councillors agreed to submit a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to establish Charter Trustees for the Spelthorne area, helping to preserve the historic and ceremonial role of the Mayor when the Borough Council is replaced by West Surrey Council next year

The Mayor would continue to act as the area’s civic representative, attending civic and ceremonial events, fundraising for local charities and public engagements. The Charter Trustees would also assume responsibility for preserving Spelthorne’s civic regalia, including the mayoral chains and robes and the Borough Coat of Arms.

Spelthorne Borough Council will cease to exist on 1 April 2027 as part of Surrey’s Local Government Reorganisation, when the new West Surrey Council will take responsibility for services currently delivered by Spelthorne Borough Council, Surrey County Council and other Surrey district and borough councils.

As there are currently no town or parish councils in Spelthorne, Charter Trustees would provide a way of preserving the Borough’s civic traditions following local government reorganisation.

If approved by the Government, the Charter Trustees would comprise the 14 West Surrey councillors representing wards covering the Spelthorne area. The Trustees would have no decision-making powers but would be able to elect a Mayor and Deputy Mayor each year from among the elected councillors.

The final decision on whether Charter Trustees are established rests with MHCLG, with the Secretary of State required to make the relevant order.