SOLIHULL has welcomed its new Mayor – Councillor Ken Meeson – who becomes the town’s 67th Mayor takes over from Councillor Stuart Davies.
Councillor Meeson was first elected to Solihull Council in 1984 to represent Dorridge ward.
Over this time he has chaired the former social services and education committees, been leader of council, been the cabinet member for children, education and skills.
This is his second time of being Mayor – he first round was in 1990.
This time round he said he hopes there would be the opportunity to champion causes around children and young people but did not say which exact causes.
Speaking at Annual Council the Mayor said: “Mayors are often asked to come up with a list of priorities for their Civic Year and it will come as no surprise if I say that children and young people will remain at the heart of my concerns.
“They have missed out on so much during the lockdowns and other Covid restrictions.
“Despite the brilliant efforts of our schools, many have lost learning opportunities, mental wellbeing has suffered from being confined and away from their friends – or in some cases they have had to witness distressing incidents of family deaths, tensions and even domestic abuse.
“Having spent nearly all my political career and much of my voluntary work on services for children I hope there will be many opportunities to champion their cause and raise the profile of children and young people’s issues over the coming year.”
Coun Meeson will be supported in the role by his wife Annette, as Mayoress of Solihull.
He has three children and two step-children with a total of six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Mayor was born in Shoreditch, London at the outbreak of the Second World War and spent most of his time there.
During the war he was evacuated to Essex.
He has been heavily involved in education – working at Matthew Boulton College prior to his retirement.
The Mayor has a long-standing concern for children with special educational needs and disabilities and was chair of governors for Hazel Oak Special School for 21 years
Coun Meeson also has had a lifelong association with Scouting where he has served as leader for both Senior Scouts and Venture Scouts, as county commissioner, county chairman of Solihull County Scouts and currently serves on the County Executive of Solihull Scout Council as safeguarding adviser.
He has received the Chief Scout Award for services to Scouting.
