Wakefield’s new mayor says role is ‘privilege and honour’

Wakefield’s new mayor has been confirmed as Councilor Darren Byford.

Mr Byford is currently deputy mayor and will be formally appointed as the borough’s mayor at a ceremony on Thursday.

He said it was a “privilege and honour” to take up the top job.

Mayor is a ceremonial title conferred by the Royal Charter granted to Wakefield.

Mr Byford was elected as a councilor for the Horbury and South Ossett ward in 2016 and was a cabinet member for regeneration and growth.

He is also involved in supporting community groups including the Senior Citizens Support Group and Horbury Churches Together.

Mr Byford said he wanted to use his year as mayor to “advocate for our district and highlight the many great things that are happening here”.

He added that he was looking forward to meeting the many “fabulous people, organizations and charities that make our district so special”.

Mr Byford said he would work to raise funds for the Memory Action Group during his term.

They are a peer support group for people living with dementia and their carers.

Mr Byford will be joined by his husband and wife Peter Davis.

It will also support new mayor Cllr Maureen Tennant-King, who will become mayor in 2025/26. Her consort is her husband Terry King.

She has represented the Featherstone ward since 2016.

Ms Tennant-King has been a member of the Planning and Highways Committee for eight years and is currently its Deputy Chair. She is also a member of the Children and Young People’s Screening and Screening Committee and represents the council on the Wakefield Borough Visual Aid Board.