Scarborough Town Council have voted for the mayor, deputy mayor and mayoress to be afforded equal billing to North Yorkshire Council officials and other dignitaries.
The amendment was part of a motion to recognise the significance of the mayoral chains of office.
Here's Mayor and Town Council Chairman Thomas Murray:
"The historic and civic significance of the mayor's chain presented to the Scarborough Corporation in 1852 and the Mayoress' chain gifted in 1897. These items are not merely ceremonial. They are important symbols of the town's authority, identity, and heritage."
Councillor William Stuart backs the amendment:
" These are not just decorative items. They carry with them the weight of more than 170 years of Scarborough's identity governance and civic pride. The proposals to ensure their secure storage appropriate use, and continued visibility are essential and entirely sensible. But the amendment brings something further and I believe something vital.
"It raises in a respectful and measured way. The importance of ensuring that the Mayor of Scarborough is afforded equal status and respect when attending civic functions alongside dignitaries from other tier of government, including the unitary authority."
He added there was nothing political about the proposed change:
"It's not about personality or politics, it's about recognising the standing of this council and through it, the people of Scarborough. In civic life, the mayoral chain is a visible symbol of that standing, and it must not be diminished, albeit unintentionally. The amendment does not accuse or criticize.
"It simply asks that moving forward, parity of esteem be upheld so that the Mayor of Scarborough was treated with the same courtesy and respect as any other civic leader regardless of setting or host. This, I believe, strengthens emotion and reinforces the eight editions and values we are speaking to protect."
Councillor Rich Maw backed the motion but not the amendment:
"Firstly, North Yorkshire Council is a principal authority with wider statutory responsibilities. Giving Scarborough's civic office equal prominence may unintentionally confuse the public about who holds actual decision making power.
"Secondly, ceremonial precedence is already clearly defined across tiers of governance, changing this risks creation, creating friction of awkwardness at formal events involving multiple dignitaries.
"Third, we must avoid appearing parochial. While civic pride is important, the amendment could be perceived as defensive or self elevating, which could damage the town council's credibility and it's relationships with former authorities."
After a Town Council vote, it was agreed that the mayor will bring a civic protocol to council for review, which will reflect the motion and the amendment.
Scarborough Charity Needs More Help
Staithes & Runswick Prepare For Lifeboat Weekend
Scarborough School Wants Roof Refurb
Tickets For Scarborough's ‘Biggest-Ever’ Moonlight on the Lake Now On Sale
Plan For New Property in Scarborough On Previously Rejected Site
New Eatery For Scarborough Reveals Opening Date
Police Discover Suspected Unexploded WWII Device in Staxton
Three Men Arrested in Driffield For Drugs Offences
Search in Scarborough For Wanted Man
North Yorkshire Police Celebrate 999 Success
New Plan For Scarborough Set To Draw On Previous Efforts
'Legendary' Train To Blow Into North York Moors Railway
Comments
Add a comment