Welcoming the new Mayor of Deal

Published: 09 June 2023

It’s just over two weeks since Cllr Oliver Richardson was elected The Worshipful Town Mayor of Deal.

We caught up with him to see if the news has sunk in yet. He said: “I immediately phoned my mother!

“She is very proud, said it’s brilliant news and that I am following in the footsteps of my grandfather and great grandfather who were both Mayors of Cheltenham.

“It’s a massive honour to become Mayor and such a privilege because Deal is such a great place. My brothers, sons and wife still can’t believe it!”

A father of three, Cllr Richardson has served his country in the Armed Forces and serves as a Town, District and County Councillor and is the Armed Forces Champion for Kent.

Oliver was first elected four years ago but has been involved in politics for many years. In becoming Mayor, he hopes to share more of what a Town Council can do.

He said: “Politics and party politics should not really come into town or parish life and I would like to see a more unified, more public presence of all councillors.

“At our level of local government we don’t have the scope or the budget to tackle things like potholes and the NHS, but we can work together to change things for the better.

“It’s about the community and as a local councillor, you get to see the benefits immediately.

“We have a great team of councillors and officers, so let’s see what we can do together, striving for the things that matter to the people of the town. How can we best champion our successes? Highlight the issues affecting daily life? We’re all trying to do what’s best, regardless of party lines.”