Published Friday, 26th May 2023

Councillors Eddy Humphreys and James Baker were respectively elected as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Reigate & Banstead at the Annual Council meeting held at the Town Hall on Thursday 25 May.

The two councillors have lived in the borough for a number of years and are ardent supporters of volunteering.

Cllr Humphreys, who has chosen ‘togetherness’ as the theme for his mayoralty, said:

A great honour

“It is a great honour to be elected Mayor. I’m looking forward to meeting residents, businesses and local groups from across the borough, and raising money for my nominated charities: The Royal British Legion and The Lucy Rayner Foundation.

“For me, it is about bringing people together, particularly in times of difficulty and conflict, to improve resources and complement each other’s work for better outcomes in our communities.”

Cllr Humphreys has represented the Banstead Village ward since 2012 and was until his election, the Executive Member for Economic Prosperity. He was instrumental in setting up business guilds in both Redhill and Banstead. He said he enjoys helping residents whether it is sorting out local issues or being part of the team to improve the area as evidenced in his direct involvement in the recent refurbishment of Lady Neville Park.

Cllr Baker is ward member for Horley West and Sidlow and is a member of Horley Association of Traders – a group of volunteers who organise large St George’s Day events and Christmas Fairs to raise funds that have ensured year-on-year Christmas lights in Horley.

Mayors chosen charities 

The Lucy Rayner Foundation offers support to young people experiencing mental health challenges through fundraising and raising awareness in support of these efforts.

The Royal British Legion is Britain’s largest Armed Forces charity with over 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities. It works with politicians and officials at all levels, to represent the interests of the Armed Forces community and provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

Find out more about The Mayor and his chosen charities, You can keep up to date with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s engagements around the borough on Facebook and Twitter.

If you would like to invite the Mayor to your events, special occasions or launches you can do so on our 'Invite the Mayor' page.