Former Mayor Cllr Paul Ainsley Appointed as Oakham’s New Deputy Mayor
Following the recent resignation of Cllr Anna Douthwaite, Oakham Town Council has appointed a familiar face to the role of Deputy Mayor. Cllr Paul Ainsley, who previously served as the town’s Mayor, has stepped into the position to support the current Mayor is absent.
While the title of Deputy Mayor carries significant prestige and a sense of tradition, it is important for residents to understand the specific nature and limitations of the role within the framework of local government.
In a Town Council, power does not reside with any one individual. According to the Good Councillor’s Guide, a Deputy Mayor has no more legal authority than any other member of the council. In fact, individual councillors hold no executive power at all; decisions should be made collectively by the council as a single body.
The strength of Oakham Town Council should be in its ability to operate and make decisions as a cohesive team, ensuring that the interests of the community are represented through democratic debate rather than individual decree.
The Deputy Mayor’s primary function is to support the Mayor. This involves taking on civic, ceremonial, and chairing duties only when the Mayor is unavailable, unwell, or if the office becomes vacant.
The role is strictly non-political, designed to represent the council and the community as a whole. Interestingly, this means that if the Mayor is present and available for all duties, the Deputy’s role . is to serve a ordinary council member, should the Mayor be absent, the Deputy steps in to attend engagements, events, and functions on behalf of the Mayor at their request. Chair Full Council meetings to ensure the business of the town continues smoothly.
It is a common misconception that a Deputy Mayor holds powers similar to those of a "Directly Elected Executive Mayor" found in larger cities. In a Town Council, the Deputy continues to serve primarily as a ward councillor, representing the specific needs and voices of their local constituents.
The Mayor remains the first citizen of Oakham. Residents and local organisations are reminded that the Mayor can be invited to any event within the town. All invitations should be directed to The Mayor at Oakham Town Council to ensure they are processed through the official civic calendar.
Oakham Town Council
ROL House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6LN
Telephone. 01572 723627
Email. enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Editor’s Comment & Town Councillor Martin Brookes:
It always bemuses me how, despite the clear language in the Good Councillor’s Guide and broader local government guidance, certain members lose sight of the facts. A Town Council Mayor or Deputy Mayor possesses no more legal power than any other individual member of the council.
Some people have recently criticised our Mayor, claiming he "does nothing." To that, I say he is doing exactly what a Mayor should do: chairing meetings, signing documents on behalf of the full council, and attending events when invited. No more than that is required. Apart from our 10th December meeting, he does a good difficult job chairing our meetings.
Personally I think the question should be what is the Town Council doing for Oakham?
While these ceremonial roles carry historical prestige, they do not grant executive authority. It is a recurring issue that some individuals mistakenly believe these titles bestow powers similar to those of a directly elected Mayor of the cities a misunderstanding that can hinder the democratic process and undermine the collective responsibility of the council.
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