Independent councillor Diane Ledger appointed as new Mayor of Newark

A councillor described as a ‘legend’ by a fellow councillor was appointed the new town mayor at the annual mayor making ceremony.

The ceremony was held yesterday (Sunday, May 12) at Newark Town Hall.

Deputy mayor Diane Ledger had to step in and fulfil mayoral duties until the mayor making ceremony following Pamela Ball’s resignation from the role due to ill-health.

Diane Ledger was elected the new town mayor on Sunday and will serve the town for the next 12 months.

Diane, an Independent for Bridge Ward, was nominated by Esther Cropper and the nomination was seconded by Lisa Geary.

Esther Cropper, described Diane Ledger as a “legend” when appealing to other councillors to vote on the deputy mayor to ascend to the main role, adding that she was a well respected and active member of the community.

“She has been amazing, going above and beyond her role in the past few months,” said Esther.

“She has taken on the role of both deputy mayor and active mayor with dignity and respect for the role.

“She has enthusiastically participated in the role it has been an honour to have Councillor Ledger represent this town council.”

Diane has attended 29 public engagements since February as the active mayor.

Lisa Geary seconded the nomination adding that Councillor Ledger has worked very hard during the five years she has served Newark Town Council, describing her service as deputy mayor as ‘excellent’.

Diane Ledger graduated from Nottingham Trent University in her 40s achieving a bachelors degree in biomedical science and a master’s degree in neuropsychology.

The six years she spent at university she has worked hard and showed that nothing is impossible despite personal complications.

Her journey as a councillor began in 2019 when she joined Newark Town Council having been an active member of the community.

She has taken part in several charity activities and community engagement as a councillor and deputy mayor.

“I am honoured to have this position and I will do my utmost to represent Newark in the best positive way,” she said.

“I really enjoyed the past few months as deputy mayor and active town mayor and the information and knowledge I have gained from this role as well.

“I am looking forward to the next year and to doing my best so thank you very much.”

Former mayor, Pamela Ball said: “I would like to thank my family, friends and colleagues for their support during this time and also to Diane who stepped in at the last minute to take on my mayoral duties.

“It has truly been an honour to represent the great community of Newark and our wonderful town.

“Last but not least I can’t leave without saying a special thank you to the dynamic duo Pete and Helen who made my role so much easier, thank you.”

As well as being a happy day for Diane Ledger, her son Thomas, who is an active member of the reenactment group Colonel Robert Overton's Regiment of Foote, has received his first red coat as an award for his efforts and presence in the group.

Newly-elected mayor, Diane Ledger nominated Jack Kellas to take her former role as deputy mayor, which was seconded by Glenis Rix.

However, Neil Ross nominated Barbara Corrigan for deputy mayor, which was seconded by David Moore.

Newark town councillors voted as a majority to elect Barbara Corrigan as the new deputy mayor.