On Saturday 16 May, Stafford welcomed its new mayor with a military parade in the town centre.

Cllr Mark Winnington took the chains of office as new Mayor of Stafford Borough during a special ceremony at the Gatehouse Theatre.

He took over from the previous mayor, Cllr Jenny Baron, during the annual meeting of the council which is more commonly known as 'Mayor Making'.

This was followed by a church service and later the parade.

Hundreds of locals lined the streets to welcome the new Mayor and wish him luck as he begins his civic year.

Those participating in the parade included the Stafford-based Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) of the RAF, the local branch of the Royal British Legion, Stafford Burgesses Guild, Stafford and Rugeley Sea Cadets, 395 Stafford (Sqn) RAF Cadets, 5th Stafford Boys Brigade and Girls Association, Girlguiding Stafford – along with other organisations.

By the Mayor's side were Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Simon Davies, HMS Collingwood Commanding Officer, Captain John Cromie and TSW Squadron Leader R Upton.

Cllr Winnington said it is an "honour" to be taking on the role.

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His wife Rosie, will serve as Mayoress.

Stafford has had a mayor for more than four centuries, read about the history here.

Cllr Winnington has been committed to improving the lives of Stafford residents for several years and was first elected to the borough council in 2003.

He currently represents the Gnosall and Woodseaves Ward on the local authority.

Additionally, Cllr Winnington served on Staffordshire County Council and is a member of Ranton Parish Council.

As Mayor, he will be supporting Katharine House Hospice and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

He said: "It is a great honour and I thank everyone for putting their faith in me.

"I am looking forward to representing the borough and promoting it as a great place to live and work.

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"I was born here, I went to school here, and I live and work here – and that makes me so proud to now be the 'first citizen' of an area I really cherish.

"It will be an incredible 12 months in office and I hope to raise the profile of this borough while raising money for my chosen charities."

Cllr Frank James, who previously served as Mayor in 2024/25, became Deputy Mayor.