THE Mayor of Swindon for the next year, formally selected today, will be Councillor Andrew Bennett.

The Ridgeway representative has been serving as deputy mayor for the last year and will now become the town’s first citizen for the next 12 months.

He takes over from Cllr Teresa Page who says she was extremely proud to have served the town.

Cllr Bennett was first elected to the council in 2004 and has served continually ever since.

At a ceremony attended by his family, the new mayor said he was looking forward to representing Swindon for the year ahead.

He said: “When you first become a councillor becoming the mayor is not something you think about.

“I, like I imagine most others did, became a councillor because I thought something could be done better where I lived.

“Soon after I was elected I was in the cabinet and have held other responsibilities but being mayor was not something which was on my mind.

“Very kindly, the other councillors nominated me to be the next mayor and I am looking forward to it.”

Like previous mayors, Cllr Bennett has nominated two local charities which he will be raising money for over the course of the year.

“The two charities he has chosen are Friends of Swindon Young Musicians and CALM.

He said: “As deputy mayor I have been to many events and really appreciated the breadth of what goes on in our town.

“Last Christmas, I attended 11 Carol Services and the young musicians is something close to me, which is why I have chosen them.

“CALM do a great job in providing respite care for young people in Swindon and the surrounding areas so am pleased to be able to raise money for them.”

As well as attending numerous events throughout the year as mayor, Cllr Bennett will also be responsible for chairing council meetings.

He says he wants to use this role to make sure everyone has their voices heard in debates.

“At these meetings we often argue about important matters and everyone wants to have their say,” he said.

“It is my job to make sure everyone is heard and we can move the debate on.

“I have experience from being chair of meetings and no-one came away from those meetings saying they hadn’t had their say.”

During today’s ceremony it was confirmed that Chiseldon and Lawn councillor Eric Shaw will be taking on the roll of deputy mayor for the year ahead.