Councillor Dennis Booth and Councillor Masuk Miah are the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Guildford. The selection was made at the Annual Council Meeting yesterday (11 May 2022).

Councillors Bob McShee and Tom Hunt nominated Councillor Dennis Booth as the new Mayor. The full Council voted to make Dennis the Mayor of Guildford for 2022-23. The new Mayor and last year’s Mayor, Councillor Marsha Moseley, nominated Councillor Masuk Miah as Deputy Mayor. The full Council voted to appoint Masuk as Deputy Mayor of Guildford for 2022-23. Both the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor signed a declaration of acceptance and took an oath of allegiance.

During his year as Mayor, Dennis will continue to support The Mayor of Guildford’s local Support Fund. The fund helps people facing financial problems. The Mayor’s chosen charity is Challengers, which supports thousands of disabled children and young people.

Dennis will also be out and about the borough as much as possible. With a passion for Guildford, Dennis is committed to represent and help residents. He will be meeting residents and supporting local events.

Cllr Dennis Booth, Mayor of Guildford, said: “My Mayoral year will focus on ‘growing the community’. I will be connecting with as many people as possible. I am an active member of our local communities. I will use this experience to encourage togetherness across the borough.

“The willingness of people in our communities to support each other inspires and encourages me. We are all learning to live with new challenges from the Covid 19 Pandemic. But our resilient communities are still rising to the challenges of our time.

“I look forward to raising more awareness of, and funds for, Challengers. The charity supports families with children who face significant challenges in their lives. It offers exciting, inclusive opportunities for them across Surrey and the south east. I will be supporting fundraising events to promote the work of Challengers.”

Dennis has lived in Guildford, where he met his wife Mary, since the mid-1970s. Dennis became a local councillor to Christchurch ward in 2019 after retiring in 2018. Councillor Booth has been Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee and is a member the Service Delivery Community Executive Advisory Board. He is also the Deputy Armed Forces Champion. 

Councillor Masuk Miah has been a councillor for the Stoughton ward since 2019. Masuk is well known for his charity and community work across the borough. He is a member of the Licensing Committee and the Strategy & Resources Executive Advisory Board.

Guildford’s Honorary Remembrancer, Matthew Alexander, was re-appointed for 2022-23. He has been our Honorary Remembrancer since 2010.