Councillor Louise Harrison is Mayor of Walsall for 2025-26
A new Mayor for the borough has been appointed following the annual Mayor Making ceremony in the Council Chamber in Walsall on Monday 19 May 2025.
The ceremony is one of the highlights in Walsall’s civic calendar, with the new Mayor receiving the robes and chains of office and naming the charities that will benefit from fundraising activities during their time in office.
Councillor Louise Harrison was elected as Mayor of Walsall for 2025-26 and Councillor Chris Bott was elected as Deputy Mayor for 2025-26. The new Mayor takes over from Councillor Anthony Harris who has held the position since last year. During her year in office, the Mayor will chair council meetings, represent the council at civic events and attend community engagements.
Councillor Louise Harrison was first elected to Walsall Council in June 2004 and has been a councillor for over 20 years. She represents the Bloxwich West ward. She has held many positions at the council including Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Lifelong Learning, Cabinet Member for Clean and Green, Scrutiny Chair for Regeneration, and Scrutiny Chair for Economy and Environment.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Chris Bott, was first elected to Walsall Council in May 2007. She represents Darlaston South.
“ I feel honoured and privileged to have been selected to serve as Mayor of Walsall over the next 12 months, and I’m looking forward to meeting residents and local organisations associated with our borough.
I’d like to thank Councillor Anthony Harris for all his hard work during his term of office, which culminated earlier this month in the wonderful VE Day 80 tributes and celebrations.
My chosen charities for the year, which will benefit from the Mayor’s Appeal 2025-26, are the Stroke Association, The Local Hub (Bloxwich West) and local animal rescues. “
The new Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison
Following the Mayor Making ceremony, the council meeting was adjourned until 6pm on Wednesday 21 May 2025, when the council meets to make appointments to the council’s boards and committees and external organisations.