Mayor

The Office of Mayor in Welshpool has a long and distinguished history, dating back to the origins of the town’s local government. The first Mayor was elected in 1836 following the creation of “The Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough of Welshpool” under the Municipal Corporations Act. This replaced an earlier corporation that had existed since 1615.

Today, the Town Mayor continues this tradition, serving both as Chair of the Council and as the town’s civic head.

The role of the Town Mayor

The Town Mayor is elected each year at the Annual Meeting of the Council, held in May.

In their role as Chair of the Council, the Mayor presides over meetings, facilitates debate, ensures that all councillors are heard, and helps the Council reach clear and lawful decisions.

The Mayor maintains order at meetings and holds both an original and, where required, a casting vote. They work closely with the Town Clerk to ensure that the Council’s business is conducted properly, lawfully and with accurate information.

The Mayor also acts as the ceremonial civic head of the town. In this capacity, the Mayor undertakes civic and community engagements, represents Welshpool at official events, and supports local organisations, schools, charities and community groups.

The Town Mayor remains politically impartial when carrying out the duties of the office.

First Citizen of Welshpool

The Town Mayor is the First Citizen of Welshpool and holds the highest civic office in the town. In the local Order of Precedence, the Mayor ranks immediately after the Chairman of Powys County Council.

Current Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Town Mayor: Cllr Revd William Rowell (Elected as the 118th Mayor of Welshpool in May 2026)

Deputy Town Mayor: Cllr Morag Bailey

If you wish to invite the Mayor to attend an event or function, please email office@welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk

Past Town Mayors

Following the dissolution of the former Borough of Welshpool in 1974, the Town Council continued the mayoralty. Recent Town Mayors have been:

• Cllr Adelaide Davies (1974–1975)
• Cllr W D Morris (1975–1977)
• Cllr Arthur Smith (1977–1979)
• Cllr J E Roberts (1979–1981)
• Cllr Tegwyn M Evans (1981–1983)
• Cllr John R Evans (1983–1985)
• Cllr J F James (1985–1987)
• Cllr Adelaide Davies (1987–1989)
• Cllr Ray Dart (1989–1991)
• Cllr John A Corfield (1991–1993)
• Cllr Ann Holloway (1993–1995)
• Cllr D M G Kinsey (1995)
• Cllr G E H Taylor (1995–1997)
• Cllr L J Thompson (1997–1999)
• Cllr Sybil Price (1999–2001)
• Cllr John Gwilt (2001–2003)
• Cllr Shane Squibb (2003–2005)
• Cllr Ann Davies (2005–2007)
• Cllr Geoff Cross (2007–2008)
• Cllr Ann Holloway (2008–2010)
• Cllr Estelle Blevias (2010–2012)
• Cllr John Meredith (2012–2014)
• Cllr Malcom Douglass (2014–2016)
• Cllr Stephen Kaye (2016–2020)
• Cllr David Senior (2020–2021)
• Cllr Alison Davies (2021–2023)
• Cllr Nick Howells (2023–2024)
• Cllr Phil Owen (2024–2026)
• Cllr Revd William Rowell (2026-present)