The Mayor of Colchester is Councillor Andrew Ellis and the Mayoress is Mrs Nicky Ellis. Councillor Ellis will hold the position of Mayor until May 2027. The Mayor's theme this year is Growing Well – Helping Colchester Flourish.
The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Paul Smith and Mrs Sarah Smith is Deputy Mayoress.
The Mayor's role
The Mayor sits as non-political chairman of the council. As such, they are unable to get involved in any matter or complaints regarding council business or procedures.
The mayoralty is customarily awarded to the most senior councillor of one of the political groups, who take in turn. The nomination is only rarely challenged. Before becoming Mayor, the councillor serves for a year as Deputy Mayor.
The annual ceremony of the installation of a new Mayor takes place each May, following the city council elections. The Mayor's election takes place at the first meeting of the newly formed council. The council, officers and members of the public gather in the Town Hall, to welcome the incoming Mayor who takes the oath administered by the Chief Executive.
The Town Serjeant places chains of office on the shoulders of the incoming Mayor and their consort. The new Mayor's speech of acceptance usually indicates a theme for the year, reflected in the choice of charities that they intend to actively support.
Throughout their mayoralty, the Mayor also attends a number of engagements held by organisations within the city. The high number of invitations received reflects the esteem in which the office is held within the community.
During his mayoralty the Mayor will be Patron of a number of groups/associations.
The Mayor's Parlour is the Town Hall office where the Mayor works, as well as the reception suite for visitors. The city regalia is also displayed there and represents gifts to the town as well as items of the city's heritage.
The Mayor’s charities and events
The Mayor appoints a committee to fundraising on behalf of their chosen charities. The Mayor’s chosen charities for 2026-27 are:
Throughout the Mayoral year, the Mayor and Mayoress will hold various fundraising events in order to raise money for their chosen charities. A list of those events will be displayed below as available.
Upcoming events
Watch this space for future events!
Donate to the Mayor's charities
Donations to the Mayor’s Charities can be made in a number of ways.
- Cheque – contact the Civic office for more information.
- Cash donations at the Town Hall (receipts available on request).
- Via BACS – details available on request. Email mayorsoffice@colchester.gov.uk
How to invite the Mayor to an event
To invite the Mayor to your event, complete the enquiry form. Your request will be sent to the Civic Officer who will respond as soon as possible. If you have not had a response to your request within 10 days, contact the Civic Officer by email or telephone (details below).
If you are unable to complete the enquiry form, email or write to the Mayor with:
- the name of your organisation
- your full contact details
- the details of your event (including but not limited to: type of event, dates, times, details of any duties you would like the Mayor to perform at the event).
The Civic Officer will respond to your request as soon as possible.
How to contact the Civic Officer or write to the Mayor
The civic officer maintains the civic diary, organises civic events and deals with donations to the Mayor’s charities.
Address:
The Mayor of Colchester
Colchester City Council
Rowan House
33 Sheepen Road
Colchester
CO3 3WG
Phone: 01206 282206
Email: mayorsoffice@colchester.gov.uk