Chris Hoggart will be Rye’s next mayor after a unanimous vote by councillors during the town council’s meeting on Monday 8 December.
“It’s a great honour,” he said. “I will always do my best for Rye.”
The news comes ahead of the by-election to fill the vacant post on the council on Thursday 18 December. You can read statements from all five candidates here.
Currently deputy mayor, Councillor Hoggart will take over from Andy Stuart in May next year.
“He’s not a noisy chap, but he gets stuff done,” said Councillor Creaser proposing his appointment. “He just gets on with it and is very effective,” said Councillor Fiddimore seconding the proposal.
The mayor elect said it was a great honour to be selected. “I love this town. It’s a fantastic place. I want it to grow and develop but there’s also a need to preserve it’s ancient history and the things that make it a very special.”
The new mayor faces a busy agenda in 2026. Local government re-organisation is likely to see now power devolved to Rye Town Council and a new Community Land Trust is seeking to build social housing next to the Tilling Green Community Centre.
Rye News will have a full interview with the mayor elect in the new year.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .