Former miner appointed city's new mayor

A former miner, Coun Heptinstall will serve for the next 12 months after being inaugurated at the council’s annual meeting.

The Wakefield East representative will perform civic duties alongside his granddaughter Charlotte, who was appointed mayoress.

During his time in office he will raise money for the Pinderfields Hospitals Burns Unit and the hospital’s Burns Club, which brings together young children who’ve suffered from serious fire-related injuries.

Both were selected as his chosen charities.

Supporting his appointment as mayor, Labour’s Olivia Rowley told the council: “Stuart Heptinstall has been a lifelong activist in our community. He’s been very active in the local party for a lot of years and I’m sure he’s going to have a fantastic year as mayor.”

Coun Heptinstall said: “I promise that I will do my best to be an excellent ambassador for the district and the council.”

Wrenthorpe and Outwood West councillor Charlie Keith was named his deputy. His wife Grace will serve as deputy mayoress.

The ceremony marked the end of Kevin Barker’s time as mayor. The Labour councillor lost his Wakefield Rural seat at the local elections earlier this month.

David Spereall , Local Democracy Reporting Service