“IT HAS been an honour and a privilege to be your mayor but as they say, all good things must come to an end” – these were the words of councillor Malcolm Grainger as he passed the torch to Alan Daniels on Wednesday.

Councillor Daniels was elected Mayor of Allerdale for the 2022/23 municipal year at the borough council’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.

And he will be the last mayor, as Allerdale will cease to exist as a local authority area on April 1, 2023 when the area becomes part of Cumberland.

READ MORE: New Mayor of Carlisle will make sure he is not the last

Outgoing mayor Malcolm Grainger addressed councillors at the AGM before handing over the chain to Cllr Daniels, reflecting on his time in the ceremonial role.

Cllr Grainger said: “I stand before you tonight to say thank you, for all the help and advice I have received over the last 12 months.”

He said that huge thanks also go to his wife and consort Betty.

“We’ve seen a lot of Cumbria in our year going to functions at Carlisle, Kendal, Ulverston and a big thank you to the Carnegie Theatre at Workington. We were invited to four musicals and pantomimes, people don’t realise we have such a wealth of talent in our young people, men and women.

“We’ve been invited to West Lakes College, Gen II and the University of Cumbria for their degree ceremonies. The wealth of talent and knowledge in these young people is fantastic, if only we could keep hold of them after they’ve finished their studies as they are our tomorrow.”

The outgoing mayor also thanked the public for their generosity in supporting his charities: Jigsaw and the Great North Air Ambulance, raising £10,301.94.

“Individually they’ve raised £5,175.97 each, I think it’s a fantastic thing thank you very much indeed.”

 

Cllr Alan Daniels of the Conservative group was then elected as the new, and final Mayor of Allerdale, bringing to a close a 40 year tradition.

Bill Pegram Labour councillor for Maryport South was elected unopposed as his deputy.

Group leader Alan Smith proposed Cllr Pegram for the role, paying tribute to his experience which will come into play at a time of extraordinary change in the region.

Cllr Daniels said: “I’d like to start by thanking Councillor Grainger for all his hard work and support during the last year, Malcolm, you’ve done a brilliant job and it’s been a pleasure working with you. I’ve got some big shoes to fill.

“It is a real honour to be elected Mayor of Allerdale, it is particularly special to be the last mayor ahead of changes to local government from April next year.

“I am truly humbled to be the last councillor to wear these chains of office as the Mayor of Allerdale and I do hope I do them proud.”

Cllr Daniels’ chosen charity for the year is Keswick Mountain Rescue and he will look to support them with fundraising events for the next 11 months.

READ MORE: Carlisle United snap up football star