Thurrock mayor and deputy to remain in roles until May 2021

Following the decision to delay the council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) both current Mayor, Cllr Terry Piccolo, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sue Shinnick, will remain in their current roles until May 2021.

Normally after a year’s service the mayor would leave their ceremonial role at the AGM in May and hand over the responsibility, and the chains of office, to the current Deputy Mayor who would then serve as the Mayor until the following May.

Government guidance is that all appointments usually made at the AGM should be held over until the next Annual Council in May 2021.

Cllr Terry Piccolo, Mayor of Thurrock, said:

“I had not expected to be Mayor for another year but we are living in unprecedented times where a great many things cannot carry on as normal.

“I will therefore be honoured to continue in my role for another year and when the current situation has come to an end I will look forward to continuing to visit the many community groups, schools and businesses that make Thurrock the wonderful place that it is.

“I will also look forward to thanking all of them for the tremendous role they have played as the borough and country has dealt with this pandemic.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all council staff, the emergency services, supermarket staff and the volunteers who, along with the NHS, are doing a sterling job during these difficult times.”

Cllr Sue Shinnick, Deputy Mayor, said:

“I had been looking forward to becoming Mayor of Thurrock and celebrating the borough and all the fantastic people that live here and I still look forward to taking up that important role in 2021.

“Nothing can carry on as normal at the moment and I fully understand why these difficult decisions have to be taken. It will be my honour to continue as Deputy Mayor, serving the people of Thurrock during this difficult time.

“I would also like to thank and pay tribute to all frontline workers, volunteers and NHS staff for all that they are doing for us as the country deals with this crisis.”