Jenny Barron is the new Mayor of Stafford Borough.

Councillor Barron followed in her husband’s footsteps when she was sworn in at a ceremony at the Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford on Saturday (17 May).

The Stafford Borough Independent councillor said she was humbled to have been chosen to become the borough’s ‘first citizen.’ She will be raising funds for her main charities - Staffordshire Women’s Aid and Stafford Community Link - during her civic year. 

Jenny lives in Stafford with husband, and former mayor, Ray, and has represented the Weeping Cross and Wildwood Ward on the council since 2015. They have a daughter and granddaughter who also live in the county town.

Councillor Barron, said: “I feel very honoured to have been given the opportunity to be the borough’s first citizen. It is a very humbling experience.”

Addressing fellow councillors, family, friends and guests after taking the chains of office she said: “How many times have we proudly heard that our borough is seen as the volunteering capital of the country. We have huge numbers of selfless people, dedicated to helping others less fortunate than themselves. They give such a lot - and ask for very little in return.” 

Councillor Barron added that during the civic year she wanted to take every opportunity to “shine a light” on those whose hard work provides so much for the community.   

A service at St Mary’s Church in Stafford and parade through the town followed the annual meeting of the council - which is commonly known as the ‘Mayor Making’ ceremony. 

Jenny was Mayoress in 2018/19 and has previously been Deputy Mayoress. Husband, Ray, served as the borough’s first citizen in the 2018/19 mayoral year. 

For the past 16 years she has been the press officer, committee member and fundraiser for the Stafford Friends Branch of Donna Louise Hospice, now supported by Dougie Mac Hospice, has been a member of the Women’s Institute for 25 years, and has recently taken over as chair of the Trustees of Wildwood Community Centre.

Jenny helps run the family garage business and previously worked as a medical secretary at Stafford General Infirmary, County Hospital, New Cross Hospital and Rowley Hall Hospital. She trained at Rodbaston Agricultural College in floristry - which is still her passion today.  

She took over the mayoral chains from Councillor Frank James.

Councillor Andy Cooper is the new Deputy Mayor. He represents the Haywood and Hixon Ward on the borough council and was previously Mayor in 2023/24.