Cheshire East welcomes Judy Snowball as 17th borough mayor
Councillor Judy Snowball has been formally elected as the 17th Mayor of Cheshire East, succeeding Councillor David Edwardes in the borough’s primary ceremonial role. Representing the Broken Cross and Upton ward in Macclesfield, Cllr Snowball received the chain of office during a ceremony held at the Tenants’ Hall in Tatton Park, Knutsford.
The appointment comes as Cheshire East Council prepares for significant administrative shifts, including a move toward a cabinet governance model and the implementation of regional devolution. Alongside the new mayor, Councillor Rob Moreton, who represents Congleton East, was elected to serve as deputy mayor for the coming municipal term.
Ceremonial handover at Tatton Park
The election ceremony on Wednesday was attended by council members and various town mayors from across the borough. Cllr Snowball’s nomination was proposed by Cllr Ken Edwards and seconded by Cllr John Place.
In her inaugural address, the Mayor emphasized the importance of stability during a period of local government evolution. She noted that the current year involves the transition from a committee system to a cabinet-led structure, the arrival of the Combined Authority, and an upcoming municipal election.
Local leadership and council appointments
| Role | Appointee | Ward Represented |
|---|---|---|
| Borough Mayor | Cllr Judy Snowball | Broken Cross and Upton |
| Deputy Mayor | Cllr Rob Moreton | Congleton East |
First elected in 2023 as a Labour and Co-Operative member, Cllr Snowball has held several key positions within the local authority. Her previous experience includes serving as vice-chair of the environment and communities committee, as well as roles on the audit and governance and northern planning committees. She has also contributed to the Cheshire East Mental Health Partnership Board and chaired the Cheshire Police and Crime Panel.
New initiatives and charitable support
During her term, the Mayor plans to launch a new Mayor’s Cadet scheme. This project will be developed in collaboration with Councillor Anthony Harrison, the council’s Armed Forces champion, to engage younger residents in civic duties.
The Mayor has also designated three specific organizations as her nominated charities for the year:
- Cardiac Risk in the Young: Supporting research and awareness for heart conditions in young people.
- Her-Place Charitable Trust: Focusing on the wellbeing and safety of women and girls.
- Keyring: Providing assistance to vulnerable adults within the criminal justice system.
Source: Cheshire East Council
