Learn about our Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Our Mayor - Councillor Margaret Wilkinson
Margaret Rose Wilkinson (nee Farrow) was born in Edmonton, North London. After surviving the ravages of the wartime bombing, Margaret suffered the dreadful loss of both her parents when she was just nine years old. Her older brother took on the role of guardian to keep the family together.
Margaret left school at 15 and worked in London for Aquascutum, the luxury clothing retailer. This was followed by a stint at Burberry. In December 1958 Margaret married Peter, who was in the Merchant Navy and they went on to have a daughter and son.
Margaret then joined the NHS and worked for Tottenham Hotspur’s doctor in the mid 1960’s. In 1967 she and Peter visited friends who had moved to King’s Lynn and they liked the area so much they moved here the same year. Margaret worked in the first doctor’s surgery on the Fairstead Estate, when it was situated in a house.
In 1983 Margaret was elected as Borough Councillor for the Fairstead ward, a role she has continued to date. Her 40 years of unbroken service make her one of the longest serving Councillors. Margaret has undertaken a variety of positions, including chair of the environment committee and she was proud to oversee many initiatives which we still benefit from today.
In 1990, whilst working full time and serving on the Council, Margaret was approached to stand as a Justice of the Peace, a role which she continued for 20 years. Margaret has also been an active member of the Unite Trade Union for more than 30 years, receiving a special award for her long and valued contribution.
In spite of her busy life, Margaret still finds time for her favourite pastime of gardening.
Margaret has been Deputy Mayor twice most recently 2022-23. She is looking forward immensely to her year ahead as the Mayor. Margaret has chosen two Consorts, Amani Habaibeh and Dawn Leigh, who will be by her side during her year in office.
Our Deputy Mayor - Councillor Paul Bland
Paul Bland is a true Linnet being born in King's Lynn and lived in the area for all of his life ,moving to South Wootton in 1970 when he married his wife Marion,they had 3 children who all attended local Schools
On leaving School Paul gained an Apprenticeship with the Eastern Electricity Board as an Electrician and progressed to Chargehand ,Foreman, Estimator, Sales Engineer, to end up Business Development Engineer.
Paul was appointed as a Magistrate which he served the Community for 32 years and was the Chairman of the West Norfolk Bench.
Paul's other interests locally are President of the Sea Cadets, Director of Festival Too. Trustee of Trues Yard, Parish Councillor ,Vice President of Norfolk's Magistrates Association,and a verifier for the Duke of Edinburgh's award.
Past Mayors
You can view our list of past Mayors of King's Lynn.