Inviting the Mayor to attend an event

Protocols when the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are present at an engagement

Please email the Mayor's office on mayor@reigate-banstead.gov.uk if you need further guidance for your event.

How do I announce the Mayor?

On first announcing the Mayor in a meeting please refer to him/her as:

The Worshipful the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead Councillor ….

Thereafter please refer to the Mayor as Mister Mayor or Madam Mayor

How do I announce the Deputy Mayor?

On first announcing the Deputy Mayor in a meeting please refer to him/her as:

The Deputy Mayor of Reigate and Banstead Councillor ….

Thereafter please refer to the Deputy Mayor as Mister Deputy Mayor or Madam Deputy Mayor

What if the Mayor or Deputy Mayor is accompanied?

In the case of a male Mayor/Deputy Mayor who is accompanied by his Mayoress/Deputy Mayoress, please announce them by adding "and the Mayoress/Deputy Mayoress, Mrs....."

If accompanied by an official consort please announce them by adding "and consort, Mr or Mrs...."

Thereafter The Mayoress or Deputy Mayoress should be referred to as Madam Mayoress / Madam Deputy Mayoress. The Mayor’s or Deputy Mayor's Consort should be referred to as Mr (surname).

When does the Mayor attend an event as the First Citizen of the Borough?

The Mayor is the principal guest at any social function in the borough to which he, or she, has been invited as Mayor.

As Mayor they attend as the First Citizen of the Borough and not as a representative of the council.

What time should the Mayor arrive at a function?

The Mayor arrives five to 10 minutes before the start of a function unless you have requested otherwise.

Make sure the Mayor is met by an officer of your organisation. They can escort and introduce the Mayor to the host or guests. It is important that the host is at the event for the whole of the Mayor's visit.

Where should the Mayor be seated?

At a formal dinner, lunch etc, the Mayor traditionally sits on the immediate right of the host. The Mayor sits on the immediate right of the person presiding at a meeting, unless he, or she, is in the Chair.

What happens if the Mayor attends a church service?

At a church service, you must arrange for the Mayor to be met at the entrance to the church. The Mayor is then escorted to the front pew on the right hand side of the centre aisle. The only exception to this practice would be at a funeral service, or other private service. On these occasions, the Mayor would give up his, or her place to the family mourners and take the front pew on the left.

Can we take a photograph of the Mayor?

If you are a voluntary organisation, it is fine to take a photo of the Mayor during your event. Your organisation or club can use the images as you wish.

If a photo is to be used by a commercial organisation, you need prior written consent from the Mayor's office. This includes any reference to the Mayor in any advertising material for a company.

If you want to include a quote from the Mayor, it must be authorised by the Mayor's office first.

What if changes need to be made to my original request?

Please inform the Mayor's office at Mayor@reigate-banstead.gov.uk. This is particularly important for any change of schedule or what you would like the Mayor to do.

What if there is a significant last-minute change to my original request?

Please contact the Mayor’s Office for the Chauffeur’s direct number.

Do I need to provide Parking?

If parking is provided, we are unable to accept a space within a disabled bay or leave the car unattended on double yellow lines. This also applies when on private property.

How do I tag the Mayor on Social Media?

Facebook @RBBCMayor, Twitter/X @RBBCMayor or use #RBBCMayor. We are happy to share/retweet posts you tag us in.

Can I include a quote from the Mayor in my press release?

If you want to include a quote from the Mayor it must be authorised via the Mayor's office first.

How do I find my local councillor?

If you would like to invite your local Councillor to your event, go to Where I Live and enter your postcode in the search box to find the details.

What if a member of the royal family is also attending our event?

The Clerk to the Lieutenancy advises on protocol. Contact the Mayor's office for guidance.

How do I address the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in writing?

Please use the format below in agendas, minutes, advertising flyers, letter etc:

The Worshipful the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead Councillor ….

or

The Deputy Mayor of Reigate and Banstead Councillor ….