The Mayor

Supporting the community is the mission of Spelthorne's new Mayor, Cllr John Doran. The Mayor took over the chains of office from Cllr Med Buck at the Annual Council Meeting on 23 May 2025. The Mayoral role involves presiding over council meetings and representing the authority at civic and ceremonial events.

The Mayor will be raising money for four charities* during the year and will be holding a number of events to raise awareness.

• Surrey Care Trust - Stanwell Community Group
  Based at Lord Knyvett Hall and Stanwell Community Allotment, this volunteer-led initiative supports community wellbeing through events, health activities, and social inclusion. Over 1,500 people engaged in events such as Diwali celebrations and family fundays, fostering pride and connection within Stanwell.
• 1st Stanwell Air Scout Group
  Offers Scouting to boys and girls aged 6 to 14 in the Beaver, Cub, and Scout sections. Focused on teamwork, adventure, and personal growth, the group helps young people build confidence and life skills through hands-on learning and outdoor experiences.
• Families Thriving Together
  Provides free and inclusive parenting support aimed at reducing stigma and creating a sense of community. Their mission is to make parenting support accessible to all, encouraging open conversations and mutual support among families.
• Spelthorne Museum
  Run entirely by volunteers, the museum showcases Spelthorne's history from the Ice Age to today with exhibits like the London Stone and a 1738 fire engine. Rotating exhibitions and community-focused displays keep local heritage engaging and alive

Cllr John Doran said: " I would like to say thank you for electing me as Mayor - I feel honoured with your trust in me.  I shall endeavour to uphold the best traditions for Spelthorne, working hand in hand with the Deputy Mayor Cllr, Sandra Dunn and these unsettled times with the County reorganisation. Please support me in my mayoral year and let's raise as much as we can for these 4 worthy local charities."

Cllr John Doran was elected as the new Mayor of Spelthorne at the Annual Council Meeting on 22 May. 

He was first elected as a ward councillor for Stanwell North in 2019. He and his family have lived in Stanwell for 50 years, supporting local organisations such as the Stanwell Family Centre, the Stanwell Local Conversation, Stanwell Food Bank and local Scout groups. He is married to Cllr Susan Doran and they have two children.

Cllr Doran was born in County Limerick in Ireland in 1939 and emigrated to the UK in 1959 to join the Royal Air Force, serving in Aden and Kuwait. After leaving the Royal Air Force, he worked for Aer Lingus in London before joining El Al at Heathrow where he worked for 35 years.

His ambition as Mayor is to promote Spelthorne as a resident-friendly organisation. He hopes that despite the proposals for a change in local government structure, from a two-tier system to a Unitary System, Spelthorne's ethos for always putting the needs of residents first will prevail.

At the Annual Council Meeting, Cllr Sandra Dunn was also elected as Deputy Mayor.

*subject to ratification by the Trustees

Keep updated at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/about-council/mayor-spelthorne