Advice on how best to address the Mayor
Mayor and Mayoress
From the 13 May 2022, the Mayor is Councillor Margaret Wilkinson.
The full description on letters and envelopes is:
‘The Worshipful the Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Councillor Margaret Wilkinson’
The more simple descriptions are:
- The Mayor
- The Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk
If writing a letter to the Mayor you should start it with ‘Dear Ms Mayor’.
When greeting the Mayor it is correct to say something along the lines of ‘Good Evening Ms Mayor’.
In speeches, you would say something like: ‘We are pleased to have with us (The Worshipful) the Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Councillor Margaret Wilkinson.’
In the opening of a speech being made you would say ‘Ms Mayor’.
If it is the host who is making the speech they would refer to the Mayor first in the introduction unless a member of the Royal Family is present. In this case they would say: ‘Your Royal Highness, Ms Mayor, My Lords etc.’
If it is not the host speaking then they should be referred to by their title eg. President, Ms Chairman, immediately before ‘Ms Mayor’.
Unless in the chair, the Mayor should be seated on the right of the chairman or host at any event in the borough.
It is not necessary to address the Mayoress before a speech, however if she is mentioned during the speech you would address her as ‘Mayoress’.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoress
From 13 May 2022, the Deputy Mayor is Councillor Paul Bland.
The correct description on letters and envelopes is:
‘The Deputy Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Councillor Paul Bland' or more simply ‘The Deputy Mayor’.
If the Deputy Mayor is present without the Mayor and is representing him/her, then he/she will have the same rank as the Mayor would have if he/she were present.
In speeches you would say something along the lines of ‘We are pleased to have with us The Deputy Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Councillor Paul Bland’.
If both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are present, the Deputy ranks immediately after the Mayor.
The Mayoral party will, when attending events, wear the chains and badges of office.