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New Lord Mayor’s pride in ‘thriving’ Exeter

Sunday, 24 May 2026 09:10

By Guy Henderson, local democracy reporter

New Exeter Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Lucy Haigh (left) and new Lord Mayor Cllr Gemma Rolstone (Image courtesy: Mark Passmore Photography/Exeter City Council)

'This is a city we can all be proud of'

Exeter is a city where ‘the future is being shaped every day’ according to its new Lord Mayor.

Cllr Gemma Rolstone (Lab, Topsham) took over the role at the latest full council meeting and told colleagues she was proud to have been given the chance to serve the city.

She said the past year as Deputy Lord Mayor had reinforced to her how much Exeter thrives on its sense of community.

“I am proud to serve as an ambassador for Exeter,” she said. “It is a city rich in history with a growing, vibrant culture and a forward-looking ambition.

“Exeter is a city we can all be proud of. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where heritage is cherished and a city where the future is being shaped every day.”

Cllr Mollie Miller-Boam (Lab, Pinhoe) proposed Cllr Rolstone for the role, saying: “She is someone who takes genuine joy in discovering more about our city and its people.”

Deputy Lord Mayor for the coming year will be Cllr Lucy Haigh (Ind, Heavitree). Proposing her for the role, Cllr Zoe Hughes (Ind Equity, Pennsylvania) told the meeting: “Her commitment to people over politics is what makes her so popular in her ward.”

Cllr Rolstone’s chosen charity for the year will be Baby Bank Exeter, which supports local families in need.
 

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