Tears in Newark Town Hall as councillor who overcame adversity is elected Town Mayor

Many eyes were tearing up today as a councillor who overcame adversity was elected Mayor of Newark.

It was the annual Mayor Making Ceremony at Newark Town Hall and councillor Laurence Goff, a man described as living and breathing Newark and its people, was promoted from his deputy role to the real-deal.

Councillors who nominated him said no one deserved the job more than Mr Goff who had overcome many difficulties throughout his life — being sent away to a special school at 11 and still not being able to read or write by age 16.

But, despite his learning difficulties, Mr Goff said if you worked hard enough, and indeed waited patiently — that dreams did come true.

"I will not take this tribute lightly, dreams do come true for those who wait," said the newly-elected Mayor of Newark.

"This is a day where my dream has come true, they say if you dream more than once — it surely will come true."

Mr Goff paid heartfelt thanks to town councillors Jane Olson and Esther Cropper who put him forward.

He said: "Your inspiring words of promoting equality — [you have] my appreciation. This is a day of rejoicing for Newark and myself.

"It is difficult to express my gratitude, it has been a rollercoaster experience for a number of years wondering if I will ever become Mayor.

"This wouldn't have been achieved without the support of the people of Newark, and I will reach out to everyone with open arms.

"I would like to acknowledge some unsung heroes who have made an outstanding contribution and they will be [further acknowledged] in the year ahead.

"I will represent the town faithfully for the next year, thank you very much."

Mr Goff, who moved to Newark more than 25 years ago, is much more than just a familiar face around the town — but an outstanding member of the community.

He ensures to support as many causes as possible and is Newark Community First Aid's top fundraiser — having raised thousands upon thousands since his membership in 1988.

Always riding a bicycle, Mr Goff is a climate change activist and has campaigned for better public transport for the town for as long as anyone can remember.

Of the new Mayor of Newark, councillors said: "Laurence works tirelessly for the benefit of the community — mostly on a volunteer basis and all of which is done on a push bike.

"He has been a town councillor for 16 years and a district councillor since 2019, and has raised thousands for the new community first aid treatment centre due to open later this month.

"He is nothing if not tenacious and worked as a carer in residential homes in Newark for 13 years before retiring.

"When the new cohort of town councillors were elected in 2019, it was general opinion that there was no way councillor Goff could become Mayor. Of course, our reaction was, 'but, why?' It was obvious that this man’s dedication and hard work were worth the recognition of such an honour.

"He was a founding member of the Friends of Newark Cemetery and has attended pretty much every military ceremony you can think of.

"This man has been blessed with charisma, charm and a huge heart which compels him to keep giving — I hope this gives a little insight into his generosity and spirit.

"It is clear that this [becoming Mayor] was his dream for nearly two decades and it is due to his own determination that he is where he is now."

Mr Goff will be supported by his wife Jean during his term in office, and his children Laura and Dominic.

Outgoing Mayor of Newark Lisa Geary said a few words to thank townspeople and her family for the support during her year as Mayor.

"I'm pleased and proud to be part of the first ever term when Newark Town Council has had an equal number of women councillors to men, nine each," said Mrs Geary.

"I give thanks to all the town councillors for voting me to become the first and hopefully only Mayor of Newark to be elected on Zoom — and for all their support during my year in office and today."

Councillor Tracy Mathias was voted Deputy Mayor and members described her as a dedicated member of the community who has fought to put a stop to youth crime and violence.

No Conservative town councillors attended the event.