At a meeting which saw the Council Chamber at Harrogate Civic Centre filled with councillors, community representatives, friends and family, Councillor Viv Poskitt was formally elected as the Mayor of Harrogate for the 2026/27 Civic Year.
Councillor Chrissie Holmes, representing Starbeck Ward, was also appointed Deputy Mayor and will support the Mayor throughout the forthcoming civic year.
Councillor Poskitt becomes the first female Mayor elected by Harrogate Town Council and has pledged to use her year in office to champion community wellbeing, strengthen local partnerships and promote greater engagement across the town.
Drawing on her extensive background in health and community work, Mayor Poskitt spoke passionately about her ambition to help make Harrogate a happier, healthier and more connected place for residents of all ages.
Mayor Poskitt said:
It is an incredible honour to be elected as Mayor of Harrogate and to serve the town at such an important stage in the Council’s development. Over the last year we have continued to grow as a Town Council and, much like learning to walk before we can run, we are building strong foundations for the future.
I would like to thank my fellow councillors, our staff, community partners and, most importantly, the residents who continue to support the work we do across the town. I am especially grateful to the people of St George’s Ward for the encouragement and trust they have shown me.
During my mayoral year I want to help raise the profile of Harrogate Town Council and ensure residents better understand the services available to them and where to go for support. I firmly believe progress comes through collaboration, mutual respect and strong partnerships, and I am committed to working positively with communities and organisations across Harrogate.
I am passionate about promoting health, wellbeing and inclusion, and I want to encourage more opportunities for people to get involved in community life. Whether through supporting local events, environmental initiatives or charitable activities, I intend to be a visible and active Mayor who is proud to roll up her sleeves and support the town wherever needed.
Harrogate is a wonderful place to live and work, and I look forward to working with residents and partners to help make it an even better place to enjoy for everyone.
The Mayor is elected annually at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council and serves as Chair of Full Council meetings, whilst also acting as an ambassador for Harrogate through a wide range of civic and community engagements.
- The Mayor is elected each May at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council.
- The main duties of the Mayor are to chair each meeting of the Full Council and to attend engagements representing the council and the town.
- The role of Mayor of Harrogate has existed in different formats since 1884, through the many iterations of local government in the area.
