Mayor of Newport
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mayor of Newport is the civic figurehead and first citizen of the city of Newport in the United Kingdom. The position is now largely ceremonial, but it still has high-profile role in maintaining and promoting the interests of the city and its people. The Local Government Act 1972 states that as chairman of the City Council, the Mayor shall have precedence in the city over all but members of the Royal Family or the Lord Lieutenant, representing the Royal Family.
The mayor for municpal year 2007-08, Councillor Allan Morris, is the 375th recorded Mayor of Newport. The first mayor is recorded as Ralph Dery, who took up office in 1314. The role was then left unrecorded until 1401, when Roger Thomas held office.
One of the most famous mayors of Newport was John Frost in 1836, who less than four years later was condemned to death for treason, for his involvement in the Chartist uprising. The sentence was later commuted to transportation for life.
In 1856 John Frost was given a full pardon and returned to Newport. Several mayors have, over the years, held office for more than one term.
