New Mayor signs in

The ward councillor for Redhill was officially sworn in as Mayor at a meeting of full council (Wednesday 18 May), with her husband and Consort David Smith who will serve alongside her.

They took over the ceremonial chains of office from the former Mayor, Councillor Henry Trueman, and his wife and Mayoress Councillor Dorothy Trueman.

Also sworn in by full Council as Deputy Mayor and Deputy Consort 2022-2023 was Washington West ward member, Councillor Dorothy Trueman with her husband Councillor Harry Trueman.     

Sunderland's new Mayor Councillor Alison Smith, began her working life as a Home Economics Advisor and then went on to spend more than 20 years as a HR Officer at the City Council. For several years, she was also a registered Foster Carer and Childminder.

A volunteer with Girlguiding UK for more than 40 years, she has also been involved with several community groups including playgroups and local schools and is a governor of Willow Wood Primary School. 

A mother of four and grandmother to seven, Cllr Smith was first elected to the council in May 2021 and become Deputy Mayor the same year.

Mayor, Cllr Smith said: "Although my year as Deputy wasn't the usual experience of a Deputy Mayor due to Covid restrictions, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting some of the wonderful community groups and organisations across our city. I am very much looking forward to meeting more of the local community in the year ahead.

"The civic role of the Mayoral Office encompasses everything from raising ceremonial flags to raising money for charity, and I will continue to work hard with our regional, national and international partners to raise the profile of Sunderland wherever we can."

The Mayor and Consort's chosen charities are Hope4All which is a food, clothes and toy project based in Pennywell, Friends of Bunnyhill which was set up to help protect and make use of the local nature spot, and Downhill Community Pond and Garden, which helps looks after Downhill Pond.

Taking over the ceremonial chains of office for the year ahead Cllr Smith also paid tribute to her predecessors.

The outgoing Mayor, Cllr Harry Trueman said: "Last year we tried to involve Alison and David in as many of our Mayoral engagements as we could and they did brilliantly, not only helping us raise a lot of money for charity but also representing the city with humour, dignity and grace.            

"Myself and the Mayoress, wish them both well and look forward to supporting them over the next 12 months. We both look back on this past year with fond memories and some great highlights from the Remembrance Parade to the handover of the F3 Tornado at the North East Land, Sea, and Air Museum and the many charity engagements Alison and David supported us with."

"Another thing which we will always be tremendously grateful for is the generosity of the people in Sunderland. The support of the community has helped us raise over £12,000 for our Mayoral charities The Special Lioness and Hug in a Bag."