Stowmarket Town Council elects Cllr Terrence Carter as its new mayor for the forthcoming year

A town council has elected its new mayor for the forthcoming year this morning.

Cllr Terrence Carter was voted in by his fellow councillor to serve as the Mayor of Stowmarket.

The new leader has also announced the charities he will be supporting during his tenure – The Benjamin Foundation and Red Gables.

Outgoing town mayor Cllr Nick Gowrley gave his best wishes Cllr Carter and his consort Bistra for the coming year.

Cllr Carter said: “The overwhelming support and confidence shown by councillors electing me as Mayor has moved me to gratitude beyond words.

“The path to elected office is often fraught with barriers for individuals affected by disability, as evidenced by the fact that less than 15% of councillors in the UK today are registered as disabled.

“I can only hope to represent Stowmarket to the best of my ability and continue in the positive way previous Stowmarket Mayor’s have done.”

The Benjamin Foundation supports children, young people and families across Suffolk and Norfolk to overcome big challenges in their lives.

Red Gables is a wellbeing hub for the community that promotes services that help deliver better health and wellbeing for people.

Outgoing mayor Clr Gowrley raised £4,552.12 for his chosen charities, Stowmarket Relief Trust and AJ’s Legacy, during his tenure, with £2,276.06 donated to each.

He said: “To be appointed as Mayor of Stowmarket was an immense honour and a great privilege and quite simply one of the proudest moments of my life.

“We are a resilient and strong town, and I want to thank everyone for their community spirit and kindness.”