Succession First | Term length 1 year Website Mayoralty of Wigan | |
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Appointer Wigan Council General Assembly Formation Wigan Council Constitution1974 | ||
The Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough Wigan is the Vice Chairman of Wigan Council, elected annually by the Wigan Council General Assembly to serve as 'Second Citizen', assisting the Mayor and Mayoress in official duties, and assuming the role of council chairman in the absence of the mayor. The Deputy Mayor is also first in the Mayoral Line of Succession should the office of the mayor become vacant.
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Origins and Duties
The Office of the Deputy Mayor is created under Article 5, Section 1 of the Constitution of Wigan Council by legislative statute, same as the office of the mayor. The deputy mayor assists in the duties of the mayor including taking part in civil and private events, as well as attending engagements of their own. When the mayor is temporarily vacant, as vice-chairman, the deputy mayor will act as chairman pro tempore of the council.
The deputy mayor is elected at annual meeting, on the same day as the election of the new mayor. The position of Deputy Mayoress of Wigan is usually held by the wife of the deputy mayor, or a relative, or a fellow councillor if unmarried. However if there is a lady deputy mayor in office, their spouse would assume the title 'Deputy Mayors Consort', or a relative would assume the role of deputy mayoress.
Current Deputy Mayor
The current Deputy Mayor is a Councillor under Mayoress Susan Loudon.
Title and Style
The full style of the Deputy Mayor is The Deputy Mayor of Wigan Council, Councillor [Name] and in verbal address, they are referred to as Mr Deputy Mayor or Madam Deputy Mayor.