By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Doctor David Willingham has been elected as Cheltenham’s new mayor.
The London-born Liberal Democrat thanked “from the bottom of his heart” those who attended his inauguration at Pittville Pump Room on May 12.
He paid tribute to outgoing mayor and former Cheltenham Town FC chairman Paul Baker (LD, Charlton Park) who will be taking up a cabinet position at the Borough Council.
Cllr Willingham, 49, an engineer by trade, said he never expected becoming mayor when he moved to the spa town some 11 years ago.
He had previously been a councillor in Bristol for four years and after moving to Cheltenham was elected in 2016 to represent the St Peters ward.
“Now I’m here on stage as mayor,” he said. “I don’t think anyone is more surprised than me at this.”
His nomination for mayor was proposed by fellow St Peters councillor Victoria Atherstone (LD). She said she was honoured to call Cllr Willingham her best male friend.
“I can’t thank you enough David, for your ongoing friendship and support over the years,” said Cllr Atherstone.
“Not everyone is extremely caring, always ready to listen but is fun to hang out with whether that is on the campaign trail, visiting our favourite pub or going to Lib Dem autumn conference each year.”
She praised his language abilities and said he is the only person she knows to take the time to cycle from Cheltenham to attend County Council meetings at Gloucester Shire Hall.
Pittville Pump Room was packed with councillors, council staff, honorary aldermen and many other guests from across the county and beyond.
Local dignitaries included Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Edward Gillespie, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Julie Kent, Mayor of Gloucester Lorraine Campbell (C, Tuffley), Sheriff of Gloucester Pam Tracey (C, Westgate), vice-chairman of Cotswold District Council Mark Harris (LD, Abbey) and the deputy chief executive of Gloucestershire County council Nina Philippidis.
“It is wonderful to have so many family, friends and colleagues present this evening,” Cllr Willingham said.
“Many of whom have travelled a considerable distance to be here tonight.”
The mayor’s three charities for the year are Men in Sheds, the Sea Cadets and The Rock.
He joked he could be accused of being highly parochial as all three are based in St Peters ward but as organisations they serve the wider community of Cheltenham and beyond.
His wife Sara is mayoress and deputy mayor for the year is former MP Martin Horwood (LD, Leckhampton).
Cllr Willingham and Cllr Horwood were unanimously elected as mayor and deputy mayor at the annual council meeting held at the Municipal Offices earlier in the day.