Bostin’ new Mayor for Dudley

Councillor Pete Lowe who has served as a councillor for more than two decades set out his personal vision for his mayoral year at tonight’s full council meeting (28 May).   

Taking on the role as First Citizen, the Mayor described the appointment as both “an honour and a privilege.” 

At the heart of the Mayor’s year is the theme “BOSTIN Dudley” - a celebration of what makes the borough special, from its proud industrial heritage to the creativity, compassion and talent of its people today. His year will focus on highlighting and celebrating the best that Dudley offers in terms of the arts, sport, heritage and those often-overlooked citizens who devote their lives to care. 

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pete Lowe, said: 

“I’ve been incredibly proud to serve this borough for the past two decades - a place shaped by strength, resilience and the spirit of the Black Country. I’m looking forward to representing everyone in our community over the coming year.” 

“Dudley has deep roots in industry, innovation and hard work. Our heritage - from our traditions and dialect to our industrial legacy - is something to celebrate. But while we honour our past, we also embrace the opportunities ahead and the progress we are making for future generations.” 

The Mayor will use art, sport and the borough’s celebrated heritage as powerful tools to showcase Dudley, promoting the borough as the capital of the Black Country. Central to this vision is shining a spotlight on the people of Dudley. 

The Mayor has pledged to represent all residents and champion an inclusive borough. 

This mayoral year marks a significant milestone, with Dudley’s first Humanist Mayor. Two celebrants - Rose Cook-Monk and Steve Anderson - will take on the traditional chaplaincy role. 

Adding a new cultural dimension to civic events, Billy Spakemon has been appointed as Dudley’s first-ever Mayor’s Poet Laureate, providing a short reading or performance before each council meeting. 

The Mayor has chosen seven charities close to his heart, shaped by personal experience of the realities of caring including We Love Carers and Friends of Alfie Johnson. Additional charities are Stourbridge Town FC (including its Floodlight Appeal), Gig Caritas / Busking for Charity and The What? Centre, supporting young people aged 9–25, including those needing mental health support and those from LGBTQ+ and Black and Minority Ethnic communities. Finally, he will be supporting Stourbridge Glass Museum and its ambition to promote the borough’s glassmaking heritage while bringing on a new generation of glassmakers. The Mayoress, Su, a former health visitor, has chosen Brierley Hill Baby Bank. 

Together, these groups reflect a commitment to supporting families, wellbeing, creativity and opportunity across Dudley. 

To help champion the themes of care, sport and the arts, the Mayor has appointed a team of Mayoral Ambassadors. They are Rachael Marrey - recognised for her inspiring commitment to caring, Eddy Morton and Trina Keane – champions of music and the arts, Jonn Penney (Ned’s Atomic Dustbin) - marking 40 years since the iconic band formed, Mel Eves – Wolves legend and sporting ambassador, Karen Westwood – a passionate promoter of the Black Country and registered nurse further recognising the historic moment that Mayor, Mayoress, Deputy Mayor and Consort have all been Registered Nurses, and Gemma Evans who has done so much since the establishment of the Black Country Festival.  

Side by Side will be the mayor’s theatre group promoting the borough’s excellent amateur dramatics heritage and history. Gentleman Songsters will be the mayor’s Black Country choir. The Fizzogs and the Dancing Grannies will be the mayors official dance troupe raising the profile of our great borough 

The Mayor is also hoping to introduce a Councillors’ Voluntary Contribution Scheme, encouraging elected members to donate a proportion of their allowances to support the Mayor’s charities and boost fundraising throughout the year. 

He will be supported in his mayoral year by his wife, Su who will serve alongside him as Mayoress. 

The role of deputy mayor will be held by councillor Adam Aston, supported by his partner Ben Middleton as consort.