New mayor of Brighton and Hove takes office

A long-serving councillor who has served Brighton and Hove for nearly 40 years has been handed the mayoral robes and chains for the coming year today (Thursday, May 15).

Before stepping down from front line politics at next year’s election, Brian Fitch will be the city’s first citizen for 2014/15.

The ward councillor for Hangleton and Knoll in Hove, who was a previous mayor of Brighton in 1989/90, was handed the chains of office by the outgoing mayor Councillor Denise Cobb at Hove Town Hall.

She becomes deputy mayor for the coming year in place of Councillor Bill Randall.

‎In his first speech in the role, Cllr Fitch said: “With an electoral record like mine, it’s nice to have some security with the future.

‎”I intend my mayoralty to be a pair of two longheld values: those of peace and harmony.

“I think they are particularly pertinent given the year is the centenary of the Great War.‎”

He said that he would be raising money for three mayoral charities – Brighton Housing Trust (BHT), the Martlets Hospice and the Argus Appeal.

The mayor-making took place during Brighton and Hove City Council’s annual council – the meeting when the mayoralty, leadership positions and committee memberships for the next 12 months are agreed.

In proposing Cllr Fitch as mayor, fellow Labour councillor Jeane Lepper said “Brian comes from one of the cities most famous political parties.

‎”I first met him in the early 1970s. He knocked on our door during his campaign in Elm Grove and we were so charmed we agreed to vote for him. The next day a couple of few thousands leaflets arrived for us to deliver.

“Shortly after myself and [former Brighton Pavilion MP] David joined the Labour party.

“This honour is a well deserved one for someone who has put so much into the city he loves.”

Coming from one of the most established of Brighton’s political families, Brian seemed destined to enter the world of local politics.

His father Stan Fitch and uncle Reg Fitch were also Brighton councillors as was his grandfather Richard Polling.

Brian was first elected on to Brighton Borough Council in 1973 representing Elm Grove.

Shortly after, he also won election to East Sussex County Council.

He has also represented Hanover and Hollingbury before being elected to serve Hangleton and Knoll in 2003.

A keen swimmer, sport and physical activity have always been close to his heart.

He has also served as a peace messenger and promoted closer links between countries at various international gatherings.

Joining Cllr Fitch on hundreds of community events and engagements will be his wife of 20 years Norah.

He has succeeded current mayor Denise Cobb, who raised £30,000 for her charities during her year in the role.‎

‎Cllr Cobb described the year as “like being a bubble in a bottle of champagne”.

She added: “Being mayor and wearing full regalia opened up many opportunities and started conversations that I otherwise would never have had.

“Some children thought I was a pirate. Recently one lady said she liked my necklace and asked me where I bought it. When I told her I was mayor, she said ‘oh, I can’t buy them then’.”