A long-serving Councillor has become Swansea’s new Lord Mayor.
Cllr Richard Lewis, a Gower Ward Member, became the first citizen of Swansea at a special ceremony at the city’s Brangwyn Hall.
His wife Angela is now Lady Mayoress.
As first citizen of Swansea, The Lord Mayor has an important ceremonial role to play. The year of duties is varied and includea receiving visiting dignitaries and presiding at civic functions.
The Lord Mayor is also involved in fundraising for the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal and Cllr Lewis will select a list of charities that he’d like to benefit during his term in office.
Cllr Lewis, a father-of-three and a grandfather, he has been a Councillor since 1973 and was unanimously voted by Full Council to be Lord Mayor for the next year.
He was educated at Queen’s College in Taunton and served with Fighter Command in the RAF before joining his father as a partner in Kattoys Cash and Carry. He’s worked for an American company in career management for the last few years.
His wife Angela worked for Swansea Council’s Education Department and the Chief Prosecuting Solicitors Department of South Wales Police.
Cllr Lewis said: “I’m very proud to be Swansea’s new Lord Mayor and I’m very much looking forward to my new duties.
“Helping charities in Swansea will be one of my main priorities. I’ll also be looking to support both the business community during these tough economic times and young people who find it hard to secure work after leaving school or university.”
Cllr Ioan Richard, a Mawr Ward Member who’s been involved in local government since 1976, is Swansea’s new Deputy Lord Mayor.
The grandfather-of-eight taught science for many years and played prop for both Faerdref RFC and Ystalfera RFC.
His wife Iris, now the Deputy Lady Mayoress, taught in several primary schools in a career spanning over 40 years.
