Gosport elects fifth consecutive female mayor as council leader becomes deputy
A STRING of female mayors in Gosport will be continued into next year, it has been confirmed.
Gosport Borough Council held its first online full council meeting on Wednesday, voting for the new mayor and deputy mayor of the town.
Cllr Zoe Huggins was sworn in as mayor, with the role of deputy mayor going to council leader, Cllr Mark Hook – who will stand down as leader before moving up to the mayoral position next year.
Cllr Huggins is a qualified sports therapist and worked in the sports and fitness industry before starting a career in further education.
Now, she is chair of governors at St Vincent College and a trustee of the Lighthouse Learning Trust.
In her broadcast acceptance speech, Cllr Huggins said: ‘While the pandemic continues, I think a big part of my role will be about recognising the uncertainty and fear that people are feeling; it will be about letting Gosport know that the mayor is there to support them.
‘Fundraising and other community events might look very different, but I'm still here to help.
‘There's very much a community spirit and I've seen that through being a volunteer and through people's kindness in my own life.’
In her spare time, Cllr Huggins also volunteers with Gosport Voluntary Action.
For her 2019/20 tenure, the Privett councillor will be supporting Oarsome Chance, Solent Mind and FirstLight Trust as her chosen charities for the year.
‘Gosport has grit and resilience and that's been shown in recent weeks,’ she added.
‘It is a great honour to take up the role of mayor and support Gosport.’
Council leader, Cllr Mark Hook, will be taking up the role of deputy mayor.
In February, he announced that he would step down as council leader in 2021.
Cllr Hook said: ‘This is an important role in representing Gosport.
'I will do my best to ensure that my apolitical sense comes out [in this role].
‘I look forward to serving as the mayor after Cllr Huggins.’