A NEW mayor and deputy mayor of Bracknell Forest have been chosen.

Cllr Tony Virgo was sworn in as the borough's first citizen at the annual meeting of the council last night.

Cllr Virgo, who has represented Ascot ward since May 2007, will take over as the borough's new head from Cllr Mrs Dee Hamilton, who has been the borough's mayor since May 2015. 

Cllr Dee Hamilton's time in office was marked by her support for the ‘Make-A-Wish’ UK foundation, which benefitted by £15,981.50 thanks to various fundraising events, including a charity golf tournament, quiz night and numerous raffles. 

She said: "I feel genuinely honoured to have been the mayor of Bracknell Forest since last May. It’s been a privilege to carry out mayoral duties and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the many wonderful residents and visitors we have in our borough. This is truly a fantastic place to live. 

“I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has supported me in this very important role.” 

The new deputy mayor, Cllr Tina McKenzie-Boyle, who represents Priestwood and Garth ward, was introduced during the mayor-making ceremony.

Cllr Tony Virgo, serves on the Children, Young People & Learning Overview & Scrutiny Panel, the Health Overview & Scrutiny Panel, the Employment Committee and the Education Employment Sub Committee and is also a trustee of South Hill Park.

He said: "I’d like to pay tribute to Cllr Dee Hamilton for all her hard work, not only since she became mayor in May but also in her role as town mayor from May 2014. Cllr Dee Hamilton has worked tirelessly for our residents and her charity and has been a great representative of our borough. 

"I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead and being mayor of Bracknell Forest at such a pivotal time, as the regeneration of our town centre begins to come to fruition. I am looking forward to getting out into our local communities and doing the best job I can for those people living, working or visiting Bracknell Forest.” 

Cllr Virgo's chosen charity for the coming year will be The Sebastian Action Trust, which helps families of children with complex life limiting and life shortening conditions.

Cllr Paul Bettison will remain the leader of the council, with Cllr Dale Birch as deputy leader of the council.

The council’s executive members are as follows: 

Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard – executive member for children, young people and learning.
Cllr Paul Bettison – executive member for council strategy and community cohesion.
Cllr Dale Birch – executive member for adult services, health and housing. 
Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker – executive member for economic development and regeneration. 
Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes MBE – executive member for environment. 
Cllr Peter Heydon – executive member for transformation and finance. 
Cllr Iain McCracken – executive member for culture, corporate services and public protection. 
Cllr Chris Turrell – executive member for planning and transport.