Long-serving councillor chosen to be city mayor

A councillor who has served Peterborough for more than 20 years has been elected as the city's next mayor.

Peterborough First's Judy Fox was chosen to be mayor for 2025-26 at Monday's full council meeting, taking over from Conservative councillor Marco Cereste.

Mrs Fox has been a member of the local authority for decades alongside her husband John, and both represent Werrington ward. Mr Fox will be her consort.

Councillor Peter Hiller, Peterborough First, was selected to become deputy mayor and his wife Debbie becomes the deputy mayoress.

Every May, a long-serving city councillor is appointed mayor for the upcoming year.

They act as an ambassador for the city and chair full council and citizenship ceremonies, and frequently visit events within the community.

Mrs Fox has previously held the titles of mayoress and deputy mayor.

She will support Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and Peterborough Area Down's Syndrome Group as her chosen charities.

Mrs Fox said: "The reason I chose Peterborough Area Down's Syndrome Group is because they are very close to our hearts.

"When I was part of a charity with John called the Rudolf Fund some time ago, we took quite a few children with Down's Syndrome on our trips to Disneyland Paris. We have been in touch with them and their parents since then, by doing Mr and Mrs Claus at their Christmas party each year.

"They are a very successful group but are not funded, so have to rely on donations and fundraising events."

She added: "I have chosen Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice as one of my charities because it is close to the hearts of my daughter Rachel and myself.

"Many residents in Peterborough will have had some connections with them and will know just how much they mean to the families of their loved ones in their time of need."

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