Great Yarmouth Borough Council elects new mayor for municipal year
Councillor Jade Martin has been elected Mayor of Great Yarmouth for the 2026/2027 municipal year following a vote at the Town Hall by her fellow councillors.
She brings huge community experience to the civic role and has served on Great Yarmouth Borough Council since 2018, where she represents the Central and Northgate ward. Born at the James Paget Hospital, Councillor Martin grew up in Great Yarmouth, attending Peterhouse First and Middle Schools, Oriel High School and East Norfolk Sixth Form.
As mayor of the borough, Councillor Martin will chair full council meetings and help to raise money for her selected charities. Her charities for the civic year are Feathers Futures, Walk and Talk, Sunbeams and the Louise Hamilton Trust.
Councillor Martin said: ''I am honoured to have been elected as mayor by my fellow councillors. My career has been rooted in community support, working with organisations such as DIAL, GYGYC (Young Carers) and The Matthew Project, as well as working within the NHS and local schools - I hope this experience will stand me in good stead for the year ahead.
''Alongside my professional roles, volunteering has always been an important part of my life. My longest commitment has been as a Make‑A‑Wish visitor, and I continue to support different local projects whenever I can.
''Great Yarmouth's greatest strength has always been its community spirit and the remarkable people who call it home. That's why I have chosen to support Feathers Futures, Walk and Talk, Sunbeams and the Louise Hamilton Trust during my mayoral year - charities founded by people with a genuine passion for making a difference in our town.
''We are fortunate to have so many inspiring organisations and initiatives in the borough and I hope to shine a light on as many of them as possible - raising awareness, strengthening connections and creating new opportunities.
''I am also committed to championing kindness, inclusion and celebrating the community champions who help make our town such a special place.''
At a meeting of the council on Thursday, May 21, Councillor James Bensly - who represents the East Flegg ward - was also elected as deputy mayor for the year.
It was also announced that the Mayor's Consort will be Councillor Antony Capewell. Revd Canon Simon Ward, Rector of Great Yarmouth, will be the Mayor's Chaplain for the year of office and Sophia Bullimore, from 901 Marine Cadet Troop, will be the Mayor's Cadet.
