Councillor Judy Snowball has been officially sworn in as the 17th Mayor of Cheshire East during a ceremony at the Tenants’ Hall in Tatton Park, Knutsford. Representing the Broken Cross and Upton ward in Macclesfield, Cllr Snowball received the chain of office from outgoing mayor Councillor David Edwardes.
Councillor Rob Moreton, who represents Congleton East, was elected to serve as deputy mayor for the coming year. The appointment comes as the council navigates a period of significant structural change, including the transition from a committee-based governance model to a new cabinet model.
Transition to cabinet governance and devolution
In her inaugural address, Cllr Snowball highlighted the shifting political landscape within the borough. The council is currently managing the arrival of devolution via the Combined Authority alongside the governance model overhaul.
Cllr Snowball stated that she views the mayoral role as a source of stability during these transitions. Her mayoralty was proposed by Cllr Ken Edwards and seconded by Cllr John Place.
Charitable priorities and youth initiatives
The new mayor confirmed the launch of a Mayor’s Cadet scheme later this year, developed in partnership with Cllr Anthony Harrison, the council’s Armed Forces champion. This initiative aims to foster community engagement among the borough’s youth.
Cllr Snowball has nominated three organizations to benefit from her mayoral charities this year:
* Cardiac Risk in the Young: Supporting heart health and screening.
* Her-Place Charitable Trust: Focusing on the wellbeing of women and girls.
* Keyring: Assisting vulnerable adults within the criminal justice system.
Professional background and committee service
First elected to the council in 2023 as a Labour and Co-Operative member, Cllr Snowball previously served as vice-chair of the environment and communities committee. Her experience includes tenures on the audit and governance committee, the northern planning committee, and the Cheshire Police and Crime Panel, which she chaired.
She has also been an active member of the Cheshire East Mental Health Partnership Board and the Safer Cheshire East Partnership, bringing a focus on public safety and social welfare to her new ceremonial office.
Source: Cheshire East Council
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