Durham’s new mayor is Cllr Lesley Mavin, a former headteacher and lifelong resident of the city.
The official appointment took place at Durham Town Hall during the annual Mayor Making Ceremony.
Cllr Mavin has deep roots in Durham, having been born and raised there. She received her education from Cheveley Park Primary School, Belmont Community School, and New College Durham.
Her journey in the field of education began as a teaching assistant. Over the course of 12 years, she worked in various schools throughout the county while pursuing a psychology degree from the Open University.
Building upon her academic achievements, Cllr Mavin went on to obtain a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). This paved the way for a 21-year career as a teacher, during which she held positions as a teacher, deputy head, and headteacher in schools located in County Durham and Sunderland. Throughout her tenure, she also earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Needs in Education.
In her most recent role, Cllr Mavin served as the headteacher of a primary school catering to children with autism for a period of seven years.
Cllr Mavin was elected to Durham County Council in 2017, serving as a ward member for Belmont, Carrville, Gilesgate Moor and Gilesgate. She has also been a member of the Belmont Parish Council since 2013.
Cllr Mavin has been married to husband Eric since 1988 and the couple have two sons, Sean and Joe.
She has chosen St Cuthbert’s Hospice as her nominated charity for her year in office.
She takes over the role of Mayor Durham from Cllr David Freeman, who raised just under £4,500 for the Samaritans during his term of office.
Cllr Liz Brown will serve as Deputy Mayor for 2023/24.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Durham are elected by the city’s Charter Trustees, who help ensure the continuation of civic traditions in Durham.
