Ipswich set to welcome one of its youngest ever mayors

Why it matters: The appointment represents a generational shift in the civic leadership of Suffolk's county town, with a mayor who has spent his entire life in Ipswich and most of his working life at the Port of Felixstowe.

The details: The mayoral position in Ipswich dates back to 1836, when solicitor Benjamin Brame became the town's first mayor. The majority Labour group on Ipswich Borough Council announced on 4 May their selection of Cllr Long for mayor and Cllr Pat Bruce-Browne for deputy.

What's next: The full council will vote to confirm these civic appointments at its Annual General Meeting on 14 May.

The traditional mayor-making ceremony will see current Mayor Elango Elavalakan and Deputy Mayor Lynne Mortimer stand down as Cllrs Long and Bruce-Browne take over their new roles.

Cllrs Long and Bruce-Browne will serve in their positions for one year from 14 May 2025.

What they're saying: Cllr Long, who has represented Rushmere Ward since 2022, has worked as an engineer at the Port of Felixstowe for 20 years."To become mayor of the town I love is a huge privilege," Cllr Long says.

"I look forward to engaging with young people, and meeting many of the hundreds of people who support the life and well-being of the town through its many amazing communities, charities, businesses and organisations."

Cllr Bruce-Browne, who moved to Ipswich in 2014, says: "Having brought my enthusiasm for community to Whitton as a councillor, I very much look forward to becoming a part of the civic life of the whole town."

The bottom line: Ipswich's new mayor brings a passion for the town where he was born and raised, alongside interests in cycling and rugby, while his deputy brings experience in equality and inclusion advocacy along with her cultural contributions to Ipswich, including founding the Ipswich Reggae Choir in 2017.