Armed Forces Veteran Appointed Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme

An Armed Forces veteran is the latest councillor to take on a historic ceremonial role dating back to 1318 in the borough.

Cllr. Christopher Bailey is today beginning his term as Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme after being elected at last night’s Annual Council.

The Mayor, also known as first citizen of the borough, represents the area at hundreds of community and civic events, raises money for local charities and chairs Full Council meetings, holding the casting vote when required.

Cllr. Bailey, who represents Wolstanton ward, is taking up the civic office following a lifetime of achievements despite humble beginnings. Growing up in a small cottage with communal toilets and no electricity, he went on to serve in the British Army as a Battery Clerk for five years, touring Germany and Northern Ireland, and gained a degree in Medieval History and Social Science at the age of 60.

The Mayor will be supported by wife of 46 years, Deborah, as Mayoress. His chosen charities are Bradwell Football Club and the Tri Service and Veterans Support Centre.

The 72-year-old father of two said: “Becoming the Mayor fills me with so much pride. I have a great love for Newcastle-under-Lyme; it’s where I grew up and it’s instilled in me a love of the countryside as well as the importance of friendship. My family owned the fish and chip shop in Milehouse Lane so I’ve always had a strong connection to the area.

“I’m looking forward to supporting my charities. From experience, veterans are an often-overlooked group who can struggle to adapt to civilian life, while Bradwell FC promotes the values of friendship, teamwork and respect to boys and girls.

“To be able to share my story with others and show them what’s possible means more than words can say.”

Cllr. Bailey attended schools in Wolstanton as a child and initially joined the British Army’s Junior Tradesmen’s Regiment at Kinmel Bay in North Wales. He later served with the Royal Artillery, including 58 (Eyre’s) Battery, 12 Regiment RA and 24 Regiment RA.

After leaving the Armed Forces, he raised his family in Kidsgrove, becoming a cub leader with 1st Kidsgrove Scouts Group and scout leader at Merryhill High School troop, before eventually returning to Wolstanton.

The Mayor worked at Michelin for 25 years and later carried out a back-of-house security role with the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Deputy Mayor for 2026/27 is Cllr. Mark Harrison.

Outgoing Mayor Robert Bettley-Smith has raised £36,000 in total for his chosen charities. The remaining £13,000 will be distributed between Papyrus and Belong.