Cheshire East mayor was once homeless

Cheshire East Council has elected its new mayor.

Councillor David Edwardes, who represents Macclesfield Tytherington, was handed the chain of office by outgoing mayor Marilyn Houston as part of the ceremony in the Tenants’ Hall at Tatton Park, Knutsford.

He becomes the 16th mayor of the borough. Councillor Judy Snowball, who represents Broken Cross and Upton, was elected to serve as deputy mayor.

The ceremony, on Wednesday 14 May, was attended by members of the council and several town mayors from around the borough. Cllr Edwardes’ mayoralty was proposed by Cllr Reg Kain and seconded by Cllr John Wray. 

Cllr Edwardes said: “In 2012 I was homeless and sleeping in a car in Macclesfield Forest. Things certainly change in 13 years.

“As mayor, I intend to promote tourism in Cheshire. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of Britain and it’s time we shared more of that and benefited our communities financially too. 

“I will be visiting our local businesses and community events across the borough. And as I don’t have a consort, I will be asking the appropriate local member to join me in making these visits.

“I’ve also set myself the enjoyable task of visiting our centenarians – people who reach 100 years of age – in all 92 care homes across Cheshire East, and visit them, if possible, on their birthdays.

“The past year has been a really tough one for Cheshire East Council. We’ve had to make huge cutbacks and savings – and all councils are struggling. 

“Now we go into the new year, with new hopes and aspirations. So I ask for your support and please your kindness – especially during meetings of full council!”

Cllr Edwardes was first elected to the council as an Independent member in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023. As well as serving as vice-chair of the council, he sits on the council’s northern planning and licensing committees.

His nominated mayoral charities are Windyway Animal Sanctuary and The Round Table. 

Council also appointed former Cheshire East councillor Laura Jeuda as an Honorary Alderwoman.