In the News: Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Basildon announced for 2025/26 Municipal Year
Councillor Allan Davies has been re-elected as Mayor of Basildon for the 2025/26 municipal year. The appointment was confirmed at the Annual Meeting of the Council held on Thursday 1 May. Cllr Davies, who first assumed the role in May 2024, begins his second consecutive term as the Borough's First Citizen.
Born at St. Andrew's Hospital in Billericay and a lifelong resident of Basildon, Cllr Davies was educated at Woodlands School and later completed an Electronics Apprenticeship at GEC Sensors. He also holds a BA (Hons) degree in International Politics from the University of East London. His professional background includes roles as a postman, market manager, and currently, a teaching assistant at James Hornsby School.
With over two decades of service in local politics, Cllr Davies is Basildon's longest-serving Labour councillor, having first been elected in 2002.
Speaking on his re-election, Cllr Davies said:
"I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their trust and confidence in re-electing me as the Borough's First Citizen for a second year. As Mayor, I will continue to serve the council, the community, and the borough with dedication, just as I have over the past year."
Councillor Gillian Palmer, who represents Pitsea South East Ward, has been appointed Deputy Mayor for 2025/26.
Cllr Palmer has lived in Basildon for 33 years and was first elected as a councillor in May 2024. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied the bassoon, she has worked as a Learning Support Assistant for the past 20 years and is currently employed at a local special needs school.
She was Chair of Governors at Quilters Junious School.
On her appointment, Cllr Palmer commented:
"Many thanks to my colleagues on the council for electing me as the Borough's Second Citizen. I am honoured and will do my utmost to support and deputise for the Mayor in the year ahead."
Council Leader's Remarks
Leader of the Council, Councillor Gavin Callaghan, congratulated both on their appointments:
"I extend my congratulations to Mayor Davies and Cllr Palmer on their elections as First and Second Citizens of the Borough. Cllr Davies has already proven to be an outstanding Mayor, and I know he is widely respected across the council. I am confident the borough will come to value Cllr Palmer just as much as we do. I wish them both every success in the year ahead."
Ends
Published Friday 2 May 2025.