The Mayor is the Chairman of the Borough Council and is the First Citizen of the Borough of Harrogate.
He or she is appointed by the council each year, usually in May, and chairs meetings of the full council.
The Mayor represents the borough on ceremonial occasions, welcomes national and international visitors and attends events organised by local people and community groups.
The Mayor also hosts formal and informal functions in the Civic Centre, Harrogate or other venues, and welcomes groups for talks on the Mayor's work and the civic regalia.
- the current Mayor is Councillor Victoria Oldham
- the current Deputy Mayor is Councillor Robert Windass
Contact the Mayor
- by emailing mayorsoffice@harrogate.gov.uk
- in writing to Mayoralty, PO Box 787, Harrogate, HG1 9RW or
- by telephoning the Mayor's secretary on 01423 556033
Please only contact the Mayor's Office if the matter is with reference to an engagement, other issues should be addressed through the report it section on our website.
To invite the Mayor to attend one of your events, please complete the form below. If your group would like to have an informative talk about the role and the history of the Mayor, please email mayorsoffice@harrogate.gov.uk or call the Mayor's secretary on 01423 556033.
Other Mayors in the district:
In the area covered by Harrogate Borough Council, there are four other Mayors - Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and Ripon City.
Rules of the Mayoralty (or Mayoralty Protocol)
Political Stance
Regardless of their political affiliation whilst acting as an elected Councillor, during their yearlong office the Mayor is obligated be impartial and represent the council and borough as a whole.
Addressing the Mayor
The full address for formal occasions is “The Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor…”. For more informal occasions Mr Mayor or Madam Mayor, whichever is appropriate, is more customary.
There are also prescribed forms of address to be used when speaking to or addressing visiting dignitaries. The Mayor's Office will offer advice to ensure that the appropriate form of words is used.
Attire and use of the Mayoral Regalia
The Form of attire required for any occasion will be determined by the type of function to be attended. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor will normally wear the formal Regalia and Chains of Office on the following occasions:
- annual meeting of the council
- the Civic Service
- Remembrance Sunday
- such other occasions as deemed appropriate.
The Regalia of Office means the gown, jabot, gloves, hat and Ceremonial Chains of Office or the Mayoral/Day Chain. The Mayor's Office will advise the Mayoral Party on the appropriate form of dress for a particular event or occasion.