Newly-elected councillor set to become Mayor of Wakefield

Brian Moorhouse will officially be appointed to the role at Wakefield Council’s annual general meeting and mayor making ceremony on Wednesday (May 20).

Coun Moorhouse was elected to represent Ossett ward earlier this month as Reform won 58 out of 63 council seats.

The former miner said: “It’s a real honour to be given the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Wakefield.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people from across the district, hearing their stories, and representing our communities during the year ahead.”

The Mayor is a ceremonial title conferred by the Royal Charter granted to Wakefield in March 1848.

As the First Citizen of the district, they chair meetings of full council during their period of office.

Coun Moorhouse, who has four children and four grandchildren, was brought up in the Ossett area and has been based in Alverthorpe for more than 35 years.

He has worked right across the district, starting at the Old Roundwood Colliery in Ossett when he was aged 15.

His varied career included roles as a bus conductor, driver and factory worker.

He also ran his own milk round in Eastmoor and has travelled extensively around the country as a tanker driver.

In his community, he has served as a former president of Alverthorpe Conservative Club and was the founding chair of the Alverthorpe Community Association.

Coun Moorhouse’s sister, Joan Moorhouse, will be his consort during the next municipal year.

Commenting on his nomination, Karl Johnson, who is expected to become the council’s new leader at the same meeting, said: “I am delighted that Coun Moorhouse is set to become our new Mayor.

“He brings a wealth of life experience and a strong commitment to our communities, and I know he will do an excellent job representing the district over the coming year.”

Refrom’s Penny Ashton has been nominated for the position of Deputy Mayor and her consort is Steven Ashton.

Council Ashton was elected to represent the Crofton, Ryhill and Walton ward on May 7.

A resident of Havercroft for more than 15 years, she currently serves as a parish councillor for Havercroft with Cold Hiendley, is a school governor at Outwood Primary Academy Newstead Green, and volunteers as a welfare officer for Ryhill Football Club.

The ceremony takes place in the council chamber at County Hall at 11.30am and can be viewed live on the council’s YouTube channel.