The Council’s Mayor Making ceremony and Annual General Meeting took place on Wednesday 22 May, with the Leader of the Council promising ‘competent leadership and stability’ for the next year.

At the AGM, the Council makes appointments to all of its committees and regulatory boards, and to outside organisations and charities. It is also an opportunity for the Leader of the Council, Cllr Baggy Shanker, to reflect on the past year and the of the Council’s Cabinet.  

At the meeting he announced that there would be no changes to the Council’s Cabinet. It comes after he reflected on a year in administration, and the “huge year” that was coming for Derby.

“When it comes to the appointment of the Council Cabinet, I said a year ago that what we needed was responsible, competent leadership and stability here at Derby City Council, and it is with that aim that I announce today that there are no changes to the makeup of my Cabinet,”

he said.

Cabinet portfolio areas can be viewed on the DCC website.

The Mayor Making Ceremony also took place during the day, with Councillor Ged Potter elected as the new Mayor of Derby for 2024/25. 

Councillor Potter – who served as the Deputy Mayor in 2019-2020 and 2023-2024 – has been a Conservative councillor for Allestree since 2016.

The Office of the Mayor of Derby has existed since 1638. Although the powers and duties of the Mayor have changed significantly since then, the role is rooted in Derby’s proud heritage. The Mayor Making ceremony honours the rich tradition and countless individuals who have held the position over its long history, whilst the newly elected Mayor pledges to uphold the values and traditions associated with the position.

Councillor Potter has taken over from Councillor Alan Graves, who has served as the Mayor of Derby for the last year.

Councillor Ajit Atwal, a Liberal Democrat councillor who has served the Littleover ward since 2010, was also elected as the city’s new Deputy Mayor.

Emily Feenan, Director of Corporate Governance, as well as Derby City Council’s Monitoring Officer, said:

"I’d like to thank Councillor Alan Graves for all his hard work during his term of office. 

Whilst the role of Mayor of Derby is a ceremonial one, it is an important and historic position. Derby’s mayor plays a vital role in representing our city at civic, local and national events, supporting citizens with fundraising and raising the profile of the city.”

Completing the major appointments, Derby’s Youth and Deputy Youth Mayor were also sworn into their roles for the 2024-25 municipal year. Sam Thiruvathilil, and Alisha Ahmed were elected in February, and have shadowed the outgoing Youth Mayor, Muhammad Muntasir and Deputy Youth Mayor, Harman Kaur.

The Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor help to raise awareness of the positive contribution young people make to our city and ensure their voices are heard.

Information on the role of the Youth Mayor is available on our website.

Recordings of both meetings are now available to watch on the Council’s YouTube Channel. 

Details of Councillor appointments to Committees and Boards will be updated on the democracy portal once confirmed.