The towns of Stroud and Stonehouse have made history by simultaneously electing two Green Party mayors for the first time.
On 15 May, Stella Parkes and Carol Kambites were elected as mayors of their respective towns, both with unanimous support.
Parkes was first elected mayor last year after Mayor Kevin Cranston stepped down. He served as Green mayor for a total of ten years since 2004, seven of which were consecutive. This will be Parkes’ second term as mayor.
Mayor Parkes said: “I want to thank the Stroud town councillors for voting me back for a second term as mayor. It is a great honour to represent the town. I look forward to helping to create a thriving and sustainable community and a place that residents are proud to call home.”
Kambites will be Stonehouse’s first Green mayor after serving as deputy mayor for four years. She has been a councillor for 12 years.
Mayor Kambites commented: “I’m honoured and delighted to have been elected mayor. Stonehouse Town Council has a lot of exciting projects in progress and in the pipeline.
“I’m looking forward to working with my fellow councillors and the people of Stonehouse to tackle the twin emergencies of climate change and the cost of living – and to make our town an even better place to live, work, and play.”