Following a heartfelt farewell to long-serving Mayor and Councillor Lesley Hill, the Council has elected Cllr Nicky Corbett as the new Mayor. Cllr Hill’s dedication and many years of service to Leiston have been widely recognised, and the Council extends its sincere thanks for her outstanding contribution to the town. As the Council looks ahead, it also continues to build on its strong tradition of service and community involvement.
Following Cllr Hill’s resignation from the Council, a vacancy has arisen, providing an opportunity for another resident to play an active role in shaping Leiston’s future. A by-election will be held ensuring the community continues to have a voice in its representation – please check the Town Council website for the latest information.
Previously serving as Deputy Mayor, Cllr Corbett brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted connection to the community. She currently chairs the Highways, Energy and Infrastructure Committee and serves on several other committees, including Open Spaces, Personnel and Planning. She also represents the Council on the Sizewell C Main Development Site Forum, the Northern Transport Forum, and the Community Forum.
The new Mayor brings strong leadership, extensive local knowledge and a commitment to ensuring that community values remain at the heart of decision-making. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Leiston, as the town prepares for significant developments that will shape its future. Speaking following her election, Mayor Nicky Corbett, said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be elected by my fellow councillors as the Mayor of Leiston. I was born in the town, and I have lived here all my life. My husband Richard has also proudly called Leiston home for the past 55 years. “These are exciting times for Leiston, with town centre regeneration on the horizon, a new town centre road scheme being delivered through the Development Consent Order for Sizewell C, and a brand-new engineering college is set to strengthen our position at the heart of skills development in the energy sector. However, these are also challenging times, and it is vital that we ensure progress is delivered in a way that benefits our residents.
“I look forward to working closely with fellow councillors, the Town Clerk and her team, as well as our partners and stakeholders, to bring the community together and ensure Leiston continues to thrive. From local clubs and businesses to major industry partners, everyone has a role to play in shaping a bright and sustainable future for our town.”
The Town Council is confident that, under this new leadership and with strong community initiatives such as Great Big Green Week, Leiston-cum-Sizewell will continue to build on its strong community spirit while embracing the opportunities and positive changes ahead.