THE 763rd Mayor of Salisbury has been appointed in a special ceremony today. 

Cllr Sven Hocking was elected to be the new mayor with more than 180 civic dignitaries including mayors from neighbouring towns and cities attending. 

Cllr Hocking said: “It is truly an honour to be elected as mayor of our amazing city. As mayor, I will continue to represent you the residents, promote Salisbury’s businesses and attractions to the best of my ability wherever the opportunity arises, without fear or favour, as I have endeavoured to do over the past eleven years as a city councillor.

“Locally, I will be as public facing as I am able, so stand by for pop up meet the mayor events where you will be able to come and talk to me, and don’t be surprised if I turn up on your street, in your shop or in your pub!”

Salisbury Journal: Cllr Sven Hocking

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The mayor’s charity for 2024 – 2025 will be the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. They are a lifesaving charity providing an emergency service to the people of Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas.

Donations to this charity can be made by going to wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or by BAC’s payment using the details -  Name: Salisbury Mayor’s Appeal, bank: Lloyd’s Bank, account number: 67253360, sort code: 30-99-50. 

The mayor will be supported during his mayoral year by the mayoress, his wife, Marcia Gould-Hocking.

The mayor’s chaplain will be The Reverend Canon Kelvin Inglis. 

The mayoral Scout will be Ryan, with Lottie as the reserve mayoral Guide, and Isabelle as the reserve mayoral Scout.

The deputy mayor is Cllr Ed Rimmer.

Cllr Hocking has replaced Atiqul Hoque who stepped back from public duties earlier this year after he was suspended by his party for making alleged antisemitic comments.