Town Mayor

Cllr John Roberts, Town Mayor 2026/27

Flitwick Town Mayor for 2026/2027 is Cllr John Roberts. Cllr Roberts was re-elected for the third consecutive year at the Annual Statutory Meeting on 19th May.

The Mayor is always pleased to receive invitations, especially to local events, however small, and to meet representatives of local groups in Flitwick.  Any invitations for the Mayor should be sent to the Mayor's Secretary at the Town Council offices. For anything else, get in contact with Cllr Roberts directly here.

The Town Mayor is elected annually each May by members of  Flitwick Town Council at its  Annual Statutory Meeting.  The Town Mayor holds office until immediately after the election of the Town Mayor at the next annual meeting of the Council, even though they may not have been re-elected as a councillor. 

The Town Mayor is the Chairman of the Town Council and will generally preside over Town Council meetings. The Mayor is responsible for ensuring that meetings are properly conducted and facilitating the resolution of clear, legal decisions. In addition, the Mayor will ensure that all councillors have an opportunity to contribute to the debate, that all discussion is kept to the point, and that business is transacted efficiently.

The Mayor votes like any other councillor, but if there is an equality of votes, they can use a second casting vote. Apart from this, the Mayor does not make decisions for the Council. The Council is a corporate body with collective responsibility.

When addressing the Town Mayor, it is standard practice to refer to him as either 'Mr Mayor'  or 'Town Mayor of Flitwick' or 'Councillor Roberts'.

Cllr Lorraine Bandy, Deputy Town Mayor 2026/27

The Town Mayor is supported by a Deputy Mayor who steps in on their behalf in their absence.  The Deputy Mayor for 2026/2027is Cllr Lorraine Bandy.

Ambassador for Flitwick

In their role as Civic Ambassador, the Town Mayor is the public face of the Council and the civic representative of the town of Flitwick. The Mayor attends many community events, especially those organised by local charities and volunteer groups such as fundraising events.

The Mayor represents Flitwick at civic functions such as the Lord Lieutenant's Civic Service, the High Sheriff's Justice Service and at events organised by other councils in the District and County. The Mayor also arranges their own civic and fundraising events in Flitwick.

Town Mayor's Chosen Charities 2026-2027

The Town Mayor's charities for 2026/2027 are Magpas Air Ambulance and Flitwick Town Mayor's Community Fund.

You can find out about the incredible work of Magpas here.

Town Mayor's Chosen Charities 2025-2026

The Town Mayor's charities for 2025/2026 were Citizen Advice Mid Bedfordshire and the Flitwick Town Mayor's Community Fund.

Town Mayor's Chosen Charities 2024-2025

For the mayoral year 2024/25 the Town Mayor's chosen charities were Keech Hospice and Flitwick Town Mayor's Charity Community Fund.

Town Mayor, Cllr John Roberts, proudly presented a cheque for an incredible £3,352.57 to Keech Hospice in June.

On receiving the donation, Samantha Johnson, Community Fundraiser at Keech Hospice, said:

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Town Mayor, Councillor John Roberts, for his generous support. The funds raised will enable us to provide 77 hours of specialist care to those who need it most – a truly meaningful contribution to the families we support. Your time, generosity, and kindness are deeply appreciated by all of us at Keech Hospice.”

In total, Cllr Roberts has awarded £5,500 in Community Grants, alongside £3,352.57 donated to Keech Hospice Care, bringing the overall fundraising total for 2024/25 to a brilliant £8,852.57.

Town Mayor’s Community Grants Awarded for 2024/25

Girlguiding Flitwick – Hetley House Maintenance Project – £500

Flitwick Car Show – 2025 Flitwick Car Show £500

Flitwick Scout Group – Scout Hut Extension £500

Flitwick & Ampthill Sea Cadets – Heating Appeal £500

Stepping Stones (Luton) – Contribution to running costs – £500

The Friends of Kingsmoor Lower School – New audiovisual system for the school hall £500

Templefield Lower School PTA – Rainbow Room Project £500

Flitwick Lower School Association – Courtyard Project £500

Flitwick Bowls Club – Grounds & Clubhouse Maintenance £300

Flitwick Village Hall – Wi-Fi Network Access (SIM card costs) £250

Respite at Home Volunteers – Contribution to running costs £250

Flitwick Town Lands Charity – Contribution to Relief in Need grants £250

Flitwick WI – Contribution to running costs £250

Linus Udofia – ‘Bringing Boxing to Flitwick’ event £200.

A massive thank you to everyone who supports the Town Mayor's fundrasing events and activities.

Mayoral Chain of Office

The Flitwick Town Mayor wears a chain of office worn on official occasions and at meetings of the Town Council.

The badge of office showing the the council crest of two sable lions was presented to the Council in 1979 by W. J. Billington as part of the original chain of office, which was replaced in 2004 with the current chain. The links on the chain are engraved with the names of past Mayors.