On 15 May Kendal elected its new Mayor. The last act of the retiring Mayor, Cllr Jonthan Cornthwaite, was to present the Wainwright Award, marking an outstanding contribution to Kendal’s Community by an individual or organisation. This year’s winner was Memory Wheelchairs, a charity that loans pieces of equipment named for a loved one lost to illness or injury to people still facing illnesses, injury or rehabilitation to support them in their time of need. The other nominees were Kendal’s Organ Donor Town initiative, Simon Raven for his activities in cleaning the River Kent, and The Eddington Centre. Cllr Cornthwaite said: “It was a great honour to give this award to a well-deserving winner, and for this to be my last act as Mayor of Kendal makes it all the more special.”

Following the presentation, Cllr Cornthwaite’s deputy, Cllr Richard Sutton, was formally selected as Mayor of Kendal, with Cllr Helen Ladhams as his new deputy. Cllr Sutton has lived in Kendal for over 40 years, and the theme of his Mayoral year is Volunteering. His chosen charities are Carer Support South Lakes, Lifesteps and Friends, and Sight Advice.

Cllr Sutton said: “To be elected Mayor of my adopted home is a great honour and I hope to serve the town well in the coming year. I would like to focus on encouraging the people of Kendal to volunteer in any way they can, and to support others who wish to do so or who are already doing it. I am looking forward immensely to my year in office serving Kendal as best I can.”The Mayor’s first event will be Civic Sunday on 13 July.

About Kendal Town Council
Kendal Town Council is the parish tier local authority for Kendal, on the edge of the English Lake District, in Cumbria. It is served by 28 Councillors and a small professional staff, based in Kendal Town Hall and Business Hub. The Council is chaired by a Town Mayor, elected annually from members. Councillor Richard Sutton, Mayor for 2025-26, is the 277th holder of the office, which dates back to 1636.

For further information contact: office@kendaltowncouncil.gov.uk