At the meeting of Medway Council held this evening (14th May 2025), councillors elected a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Medway, with this year’s nominations being from the Conservative Group, following the Council’s return to the “points system” last year.
The new Mayor of Medway, Councillor Trevor Clarke is originally from Bermondsey, London before moving to Medway. He attended Lower Halstow and Tunbury Primary Schools before going to Chatham Grammar School for Boys. Married to his wife Mandy, a primary school teacher, they have three grown up children. A long-time commuter, Trevor now works part time for a London international bank and has been actively involved in the local voluntary sector and with Medway’s churches for many years. He was first elected to represent the ward on Medway Council in a 2008 by-election and alongside his passion for local politics, he is an avid cricket follower.
The new Deputy Mayor, Councillor Wayne Spring is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and experienced legal professional currently representing the Rainham North Ward on Medway Council, having been elected in May 2023. He is proud to serve on the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where he channels his passion for youth development and welfare into positive outcomes for children in Medway. Originally born in London and moved to Essex as a young boy, Wayne was raised by his mother alongside his two brothers and sister. Wayne moved to Medway in September 2001, where he has since made his home and raised a family. He has been married for 23 years to Sara, a Deputy Head Teacher, and together they have two children, Ffion and Isaac.
Speaking after their election, Councillor Perfect, Medway Conservatives Leader and Leader of the Opposition said:
“Medway is lucky to have a mayoral team made of two brilliant councillors. I have full confidence that Councillor Clarke and Spring will make an outstanding Civic team and will build on the successes of former Mayor, Councillor Nestorov and former Deputy Mayor, Councillor Hamandishe, in this civic year.
Congratulations to them both, and to the new Mayoress Mrs Clarke, and the new Deputy Mayoress Mrs Spring.”
Speaking after the meeting, The Worshipful The Mayor of Medway, Councillor Clarke said:
“I went to school here, I’ve lived here, I’ve raised my family here and I’ve had the privilege of serving the local community here for 17 years - it is truly an honour now to have been elected Mayor of Medway.
We have fantastic communities, historic heritage sites and a strong cultural scene here in Medway. The role of Mayor is one which focuses on highlighting the best that Medway has to offer, both locally and nationally, and something I am really looking forward to doing throughout my year as Mayor. Like many, my family came to Medway in search of a better home, better school and green spaces – it was a place of aspiration and hope and I aim to reflect that throughout this mayoral year.”
The Mayor of Medway is known as the First Citizen of Medway and has ceremonial titles of Constable of the Castle and Admiral of the River.
A large part of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s time is spent promoting the image and importance of Medway in a regional and national context. The Mayor also chairs Full Council meetings.
The Mayor has appointed Reverend Edward Wright as his chaplain for his year in office, and has chosen Caring Hands in the Community and Slide Away as his chosen charities for the year.
Caring Hands is a day centre for those who are homeless or insecurely housed, providing support, advice and free meals, as well as access to showers and clean clothing. Slide Away works with parents, carers, schools and other professionals to help provide bereavement support to children and young people in Medway and Kent.
ENDS
