Lincoln’s 813th mayor sworn into office

The City of Lincoln’s 813th mayor, councillor Sue Burke, has taken her seat at the head of the council.

Councillor Burke, has taken the chains of office from outgoing mayor Keith Weaver.

The new mayor has been a City of Lincoln councillor since 2012, first in Minster ward and then her home ward of Park in 2016.

She has previously held several civic roles including Deputy Mayoress, Mayoress, and Deputy Mayor.

She said it was “amazing” to take on the both “serious and joyous” role and that she was “moved” by comments made by her fellow councillors.

Her charity will be LEAP, which provides accommodation and support for homeless young people, along with similar organisations such as NOMAD and the YMCA.

“What’s really close to my heart is the voluntary and charity sector who do such a lot of good work in the city,” she said.

She will be joined by her mayor’s consort, husband and fellow councillor Chris Burke, and her deputy mayor and consort Councillor Jackie Kirk and Michael Williams.

Also taking their positions today were the new Sheriff of Lincoln Jo Rimmer and her consort Kraig Needs.

However, the event was tinged with sadness as neither the former Sheriff of Lincoln Roy South, or the outgoing mayor Keith Weaver could attend.

Sadly Mr South was taken ill in January and passed away.

Mr Weaver suffered a stroke on the day of this year’s local elections, May 2. He remains unwell but is said to be making a slow recovery.

Words of respect and well wishes were heard at the ceremony.

His place today was taken by Conservative leader Councillor Hilton Spratt.

Mayor Burke paid tribute to Mr Weaver saying he had “done his best to be a good mayor” who “enjoyed his role.”

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