Cllr Marie Bradburn is the new Mayor of Milton Keynes for 2024-25. Mayor Bradburn was officially bestowed the mayoralty at Milton Keynes City Council’s annual full council meeting yesterday evening (15 May).
Having lived in Milton Keynes for almost 30 years, Mayor Bradburn has seen the city grow and flourish. She is a strong advocate of community involvement and wants to further encourage people from diverse backgrounds to come together. The Mayor is particularly looking forward to celebrating major events taking place in the city this year, including the Midsummer Festival.
The themes of this year’s mayoralty will be education, young people, and active transport. As a keen cyclist herself, Mayor Bradburn would like to encourage more children and young people to travel sustainably across the city to reduce the impact of climate change.
Mayor Bradburn has represented the Bradwell ward since 2016 and has served on a number of committees, including Children and Young people and Health and Adult Social Care – all being issues she is very passionate about. She has also chaired the Corporate Parenting Panel since 2020 and has always been an advocate for children in care. Mayor Bradburn has also been a member of Bradwell Parish Council since 2012.
Traditionally the Mayor’s Consort is a family member, but on this occasion, Cllr Bradburn has invited two young people in care to accompany her on official visits.
The Mayor will be showcasing the fantastic work of the city’s voluntary charitable sector.
“I am truly honoured to be given the opportunity to serve the people of Milton Keynes as their Mayor. I will work tirelessly to ensure our city receives the accolades it truly deserves. Milton Keynes is proudly diverse and I look forward to working with everyone on the city’s journey as it goes from strength to strength.”
The mayoral charity selected for the year is Sieve MK Gateway. The charity is dedicated to addressing educational underachievement among young people, particularly BAME students. Mayor Bradburn co-founded SMK Gateway in 2007 to help children struggling through school, but has stepped back since 2020 to focus on her council duties.
Donations to the Mayor’s Charities can be made via: Mayor of Milton Keynes is fundraising for SMK Gateway (justgiving.com).
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Editors notes
The Mayor of Milton Keynes is a ceremonial role that is held by a city councillor. A new Mayor is selected every year at the annual meeting of the council. The Mayor does not have any decision making powers and instead chairs meetings of the council and carries out civic duties, such as attending events on behalf of the council.