Councillor Jonathan Smale has been voted as the new Mayor of the City of Derby, with Councillor Richard Hudson voted as Deputy Mayor.
Both were elected during the annual Mayor Making Ceremony on Wednesday 20 May.
Councillor Smale (Conservative) is Derby born and bred and has been a Councillor since 2016. After previously represented the Chaddesden Ward, he currently represents Spondon. He has served as the Deputy Leader of the Conservative group and has held various roles within the Council and its committees, including as a Cabinet Member.
Beyond his council duties, Cllr Smale has played an active role in the community and voluntary sectors, supporting a range of organisations and projects.
Councillor Richard Hudson (Liberal Democrats) was elected ward councillor for Chaddesden North in 2023, having previously served as a local councillor in Derwent Ward. He is currently the Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee and Chair of the Chaddesden North Neighbourhood Board.
As part of his role within the ward, he works closely with volunteer groups such as Friends of Nottingham Road Cemetery and the Friends of Chaddesden Park. He is also involved with the Chaddesden Traders Association, supporting seasonal events and local initiatives.
The historic ceremony dates to the 1638, when Derby’s first Mayor was appointed. Over the centuries the role has been held by various figures who have influenced the city’s development, such as Joseph Strutt, who served as the first Mayor of the reformed borough in 1835, and Renée Stephens, who in 1975 became the first woman to hold the office.
At the meeting, tributes were also paid to the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Ajit Atwal, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Phil Ingall.
Over their year in office, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor have attended over 200 events between them, supporting a wide range of community and civic initiatives, charities, and good causes across the city.