Councillor Sue Gower MBE JP, representing Bexleyheath Ward, has been inaugurated as the 60th Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley during the Council’s Annual Meeting held on 22 May. She takes on this role with her husband, Mr. Darren Tobin, serving as the new Consort.

Councillor Gower’s appointment marks her as the 72nd individual to hold the title of Mayor of Bexley since the borough received its charter in 1937. Having moved to Bexley in 1984, she has deep-rooted connections to the community. Her family, including her sons, daughter and grandson, were all born in Bexley and attended local schools, as did her husband.

A dedicated public servant, Councillor Gower has been a local Justice of the Peace since 2000, serving as Deputy Mayor from 2020-21 and Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing from 2021-2024. Awarded an MBE in 2009 for voluntary service to disabled children and young people in Bexley, she also works as a Local Government Officer and Independent Celebrant.

Councillor Lisa Jane Moore, representing Longlands Ward, has been appointed as the Deputy Mayor, with Mr. Justin Moore as her Consort. Additionally, Mr. Paul Weston from New Generation Church has been appointed as the Mayor’s Chaplain.

Throughout her mayoral year, Councillor Gower aims to raise funds for the local charity ‘Counselling Matters Bexley,’ while also supporting other local charities and good causes.