New Warwick mayor in town's first '˜power couple'

Christine Cross will now serve as ceremonial head of the town and its council for the next 12 months after being officially sworn in on Wednesday.

The grandmother and town councillor - who is serving for the first time - said her year in office will now be led “by the people of Warwick”.

And she will be helped on the exciting journey by her husband, Stephen who was elected as deputy major in the town’s first couple leadership.

“I never thought that being elected onto the council would lead me to become mayor, but I am absolutely delighted that it has,” she said.

“My husband is mayor elect and it is the first time for both of us so it will be a learning curve but a very exciting one.

“Our outgoing mayor has done an excellent job and I hope to take on just some of her enthusiasm and do my very best for Warwick by listening to what people want.”

The town mayor chairs meetings of the town council, attends official events and represents the town across Warwickshire.

Cllr Cross, a Conservative who has represented Woodloes ward since 2011, named her mayoral charities as Birmingham Children’s Hospital, The Brain Tumour Charity, and Aylesford Unit.

And outgoing mayor, Mandy Littlejohn has wished her all the best in the mayoral seat.

Describing her past year as a “great honour”, Cllr Littlejohn said: “I have met so many great people and been involved in so much, I feel completely honoured.

“Last year I jumped in the deep end as most mayors for the first time probably do. I attended around 250 events and I felt so proud to represent Warwick at each one.

“I hope Christine has as good as year as I have had. She is now Warwick’s First Lady.”

Cllr Cross has two daughters and five grandchildren and moved to Woodloes from Birmingham in 2007.