The Mayor of Preston
The Mayor of Preston background
The tradition of having a Mayor of Preston dates back to the Middle Ages when the City's first Charter (a document bestowing certain rights on a town) was granted by Henry II in 1179.
The Mayor of Preston acts as the City's first citizen, which means they speak on behalf of the City and are an important part of its identity. They also represent local people at civic and ceremonial events.
Nowadays, the Mayor has to be a Preston City Councillor, meaning that local people have voted for them to represent their communities. Once chosen, they become Deputy Mayor for a year, before stepping up at the following Annual Council and serve as the Mayor for a year.
For more information visit our background to the Mayor of Preston page, along with a list of past Mayors.
The current Mayor of Preston
The Mayor of Preston for 2025/26 is Councillor Sue Whittam who is the 697th Mayor of Preston, a position which dates back to 1327.
You can follow the Mayor on Facebook - Mayor of Preston and X - Preston Mayor.
About Councillor Susan Marie Whittam
Susan Marie Graveson was born on November 10, 1962, in Preston. She was the first child of Gordon Graveson and Miriam Graveson (née Rigby), both of whom were also from Preston. Much of their family resided in the Preston, Woodplumpton, and Barton areas.
Susan attended Our Lady and St. Edward's RC Primary School, followed by a brief period at St. Theresa's RC Primary School in Penwortham. She then continued her education at St. Cuthbert Mayne RC High School in Fulwood, which is now known as Our Lady's Catholic High School.
In 1979, she enrolled at the newly formed Newman College to pursue her A-levels in English, English Literature, and History. After completing her A-levels, she went on to study for a Higher National Diploma in Business Studies at Preston Polytechnic.
After leaving the Polytechnic, Susan began her career at Lancashire County Council as a shorthand typist. She then transitioned through various roles within the County Council, including positions in the Social Services Department and the Chief Executive/Clerks Department, as it was known at the time.
In 1996, she transferred to the Environment Agency, where she served as a Customer Contact Team Leader. In 2010, she opted for voluntary redundancy following the death of her stepfather to provide support to her mother.
Susan currently, works as a Clerk for two Parish Councils.
She was elected to Preston City Council in 2014 and made history as the first female Conservative Group Leader from 2019 until she stepped down to become Deputy Mayor in 2024.
She is married to Stephen, who is also a Preston City Councillor. Together, they have four children, Carly, Katherine, Thomas, and Fay, and one granddaughter, Hollie.
The Mayor's Charities
The Mayor has chosen to raise awareness and funds for three charities that hold special significance:
Each of these charities hold a special meaning for the Mayor and she is committed to supporting them as much as possible throughout this important year.
Deputy Mayor of Preston
The Deputy Mayor of Preston is Councillor Nweeda Khan.
Precedence
Section 3(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 specifically provides that the Mayor shall have precedence in the district, but not so as prejudicially to affect his Majesty's royal prerogative.
Within the City of Preston, therefore, the Mayor must be given precedence over all except his Majesty the King, members of the Royal Family (i.e. Princes, Princesses, Dukes and Duchesses of the Blood Royal, styled "His Royal Highness") and His Majesty's representatives when acting in their official capacities and directly representing the Crown (viz. Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Lancashire, and, in certain circumstances, the High Sheriff for the County of Lancashire).
Accordingly, the place reserved for the Mayor must be on the immediate right of the Chairman or other person presiding at any occasion except when one of the persons to whom the Mayor yields precedence is present.
The Mayor is normally attended by an Officer from whom advice on matters of protocol may be sought.
What is the correct way of addressing the Mayor?
If you are introducing the Mayor it is "The right Worshipful the Mayor of Preston" and if you are addressing the Mayor it is "Mr Mayor".
If the Mayor's partner is a woman, she is known as the Mayoress. If the Mayor's partner is a man, he is called the Mayor's Consort.
Will the Mayor attend my event or function?
The Mayor's ceremonial role is to represent the city at annual events such as the Remembrance Day service and Holocaust Memorial Day, as well as high-profile engagements.
The Mayor's diary includes more than 500 appointments throughout the year and is organised by the council's Mayoral Officer.
To invite the Mayor to a function please complete our Invite the Mayor online form and a member of the team will be in touch.
Invite the Mayor to your event
The Mayoral chains
When the Mayor attending official appointments, they wear the Mayoral chains. These chains were designed by Alfred Gilbert A.R.A and underwent various modifications from the original model.
They were finally presented to the then Mayor, James Burrow, on 3 November 1888.
The mayoral chains and badge are an important tradition, having been commissioned to celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1887 at a cost of £800.
The Civic Regalia, which includes the mayoral robes and chains, precede the Mayor on formal Civic occasions such as the Judges Service.
See our Civic regalia section for more information on Preston's long and distinguished history regarding the insignia.
Honorary Freemen / Honorary Freewoman
To be granted the title of Honorary Freeman / Honorary Freewoman is a mark of distinction upon the person whom the Council wishes to honour. The Freedom itself carries no privilege and is purely an honour, reflecting the eminence of the person on whom it is conferred or as recognition of significant and valuable services rendered to the borough by that person.
The ceremony for the admitting of an Honorary Freeman is a very formal occasion, with the act providing a special meeting of the Council. This must be convened with the specific object of passing the resolution to Honorary Freedom - one of the highest honours that the Council of a City or Borough can bestow.
The resolution should be passed by not less than two thirds of the members present.
The procedure should be carried out with the utmost formality and the Honorary Freeman / Honorary Freewoman Elect is invited to the Council Meeting and placed on the right hand of the Mayor.
For a list of Freeman / Freewoman of Preston and more information please see our Honorary Freemen/ Freewoman page.
Honorary Aldermen of the City
Essentially, the offer of appointment to Honorary Alderman / Honorary Alderwoman may only be considered in respect of former Members having a minimum of 15 years service. Any former Member who qualifies will then be considered by the Honours Task Group established to consider whether that person meets the criteria.
Aldermen constituted one-quarter of a Council except in the Greater London Council and the London Boroughs where the proportion was one-sixth.
For information on the Honorary Alderman / Honorary Alder woman and a full list of former members of the Council please see our Honorary Aldermen of the City of Preston page.
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