Cllr Laura Rochefort has been elected as Penarth's new mayor at the council's Annual General Meeting on Friday, May 20.

Previously deputy mayor, Cllr Rochefort represents Cornerswell ward and is a member of the Welsh Labour group. Cllr Melissa Rabaiotti, of Plymouth ward, has been elected as this year's deputy town mayor. 

At the meeting, Cllr Rochefort thanked everyone for her nomination and said she felt "privileged and honoured to represent the town council as the mayor of Penarth." 

On accepting the town mayor nomination, Cllr Rochefort said: "Penarth has many great attributes, and we want to continue to offer the best for the community, young and old, and for our visitors, far and wide.

"We also want to continue to work with our local businesses for them to thrive in these trying times. Penarth is a beautiful place to live, and our community is an essential part of that beauty.

"Once again, thank you for the nomination, it is a great privilege, and I'll do my best as your new mayor." 

Cllr Laura Rochefort is the new mayor of Penarth for the year 2022/23. (Image credit: Penarth Town Council - Lewis Prosser)

Cllr Rochefort also thanked Cllr Buckley and his consort, Mrs Samantha Buckley, for his year as mayor. "I think we would all agree he has done an amazing job and has been truly involved in the community, whilst also adding fun and wit to every meeting," she said.

Cllr Ian Buckley added: "I would like to thank Laura for not only her kind words but also all the support she has given me as deputy town mayor over the past year.

"Despite losing half the year to covid restrictions and purdah I've still had a busy year. With the help of the community, I managed to raise £8,156. 26 for my chosen charities: Woody's Lodge and Amelia Trust Farm." 

As mayor, Cllr Rochefort will perform ceremonial duties, act as the public face of the council, and represent the council at official and community events.The town mayor is also responsible for raising money for charitable causes of their choice.

For her mayoral term, Cllr Rochefort has chosen to raise money forMarie Curie Hospice, a much–loved charity in Penarth which provides care and support to people living with a terminal illness and those close to them. 

The town mayor's first civic engagement will be the lighting of the beacon on Thursday, June 2 at the Cliff Tops followed by a special fireworks display.