In May 2024 I had the enormous privilege of being elected as Deputy Mayor of
our great City. That marked the start of a very busy year representing the City
at countless wonderful events in Chelmsford and across Essex.
Between us, the Mayor (Cllr. Janette Potter, Galleywood) and I supported almost 400 occasions. I met many
hundreds of people, members of charities, faith groups, schools, societies and
businesses.
Our Charity of the Year was Farleigh hospice and we were pleased to raise a
significant sum for this worthwhile charity. Events ranged from afternoon teas
at the smallest of local gardens, to shaking collecting buckets in the High Street.
The year was bookended by commemorations of 80 years since WW2, starting
with D-day events in June 2024 and ending with VE=day beacon lighting in
May 2025.
In National Volunteers Week I met over 50 charities, whose members
demonstrated community in action. Volunteers and local organisations play an
invaluable role in supporting the life of Chelmsford and really make a
difference.
The Mayoralty role is strictly political-neutral, so party politics was off the table
for the year. However, it was inspiring to see so many people demonstrating the
Conservative values of civic responsibility and care and support of others less
fortunate than themselves. It gives me confidence that our Conservative Party
can once again provide a natural home for the votes of our fellow citizens and
return us to power in Chelmsford.
Councillor Susan Sullivan
