Find out about the Mayor of Guildford
Meet the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Councillor Dennis Booth is the Mayor of Guildford for 2022-23.
He has been a councillor for the Christchurch ward since 2019.
About Dennis
Dennis has lived in Guildford, where he met his wife Mary, since the mid-1970s. He retired in 2018 from a successful career in IT, and was elected to Christchurch ward in 2019.
Dennis has served as:
- Deputy Armed Forces Champion on the Guildford Community Covenant Panel
- Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee
- A representative on the Planning, and Overview & Scrutiny Committees
- A representative currently a member of the Licensing Committee
- A representative on the Service Delivery Executive Advisory Board
Mayor's theme
Dennis is passionate about Guildford and committed to representing and assisting residents. In his Mayoral year he will focus on 'growing the community'. He wants to connect with as many of these people as possible and encourage togetherness.
Dennis will be out and about the borough as much as possible, meeting and supporting local events.
The Mayor's chosen charity is Challengers. This charity supports thousands of disabled children and young people.
He also supports The Mayor of Guildford's local Support Fund. It helps people facing financial problems.
Deputy Mayor
The Deputy Mayor for 2022-23 is Councillor Masuk Miah.
Masuk has been a councillor for the Stoughton ward since 2019. He is currently a member of the Licensing Committee. He is also on the Strategy & Resources Executive Advisory Board.
Role of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
A member of the council is elected to be the Mayor for the forthcoming year.
The Deputy Mayor is elected in the same way.
The Mayor, and in his or her absence the Deputy Mayor, has the following role:
- to uphold and promote the purposes of the council's constitution
- to preside over meetings of the council so that business can be carried out efficiently
- to ensure that the council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the local community.
- to promote public involvement in the council's activities
- to attend civic and ceremonial events
The Mayor traditionally steps back from party politics for his or her term of office.
The Mayor does not deal with complaints. To complain about a council matter, go to our complaints page.
Request the Mayor's attendance for your event
Find out more about how to book the Mayor for your event and apply online.
Plan your visit from the Mayor or Deputy Mayor
The questions and answers below will help you plan your visit from the Mayor or Deputy Mayor.
How should I introduce the Mayor at a function and how should I address him or her?
✔ When introducing the Mayor at a function, please say: "The Worshipful the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor...
(first name and last name, for example, Mr Dennis Booth)
✔ If the Mayor is accompanied by an official escort just add "and escort, Mr or Mrs...."
✔ In the case of a male Mayor who is accompanied by his Mayoress, just add "and the Mayoress, Mrs....."
✔ Please introduce the Deputy Mayor as "The Deputy Mayor of Guildford, Councillor ...." as with the Mayor.
✔ After the first introduction, the Mayor should be addressed as 'Madam Mayor'. Or in the case of a male Mayor - Mr Mayor, and the Mayoress (where applicable) as Madam Mayoress.
✔ The Deputy Mayor should be addressed as "Madam, or Mr, Deputy Mayor". The Mayor or Deputy Mayor's Escort should simply be referred to by their name.
When does the Mayor attend an event as the First Citizen of the Borough?
The Mayor is the principal guest at any social function in the borough to which he, or she, has been invited as Mayor.
As Mayor they attend as the First Citizen of the Borough and not as a representative of the council.
What time should the Mayor arrive at a function?
The Mayor arrives five to 10 minutes before the start of a function. Unless you have requested otherwise on the bid form/information sheet.
Make sure the Mayor is met by an officer of your organisation. They can escort and introduce the Mayor to the host or guests. It is important that the host is at the event for the whole of the Mayor's visit.
Where should the Mayor be seated?
At a formal dinner, lunch etc, the Mayor traditionally sits on the immediate right of the host. The Mayor sits on the immediate right of the person presiding at a meeting, unless he, or she, is in the Chair.
What happens if the Mayor attends a church service?
At a church service, you must arrange for the Mayor to be met at the entrance to the church. The Mayor is then escorted to the front pew on the right hand side of the centre aisle. The only exception to this practice would be at a funeral service, or other private service. On these occasions, the Mayor would give up his, or her place to the family mourners and take the front pew on the left.
Can we take a photograph of the Mayor?
If you are a voluntary organisation, it is fine to take a photo of the Mayor during your event. Your organisation or club can use the images as you wish.
If a photo is to be used by a commercial organisation, you need prior written consent from the Mayor's office. This includes any reference to the Mayor in any advertising material for a company.
What if a member of the royal family is also attending our event?
The Clerk to the Lieutenancy will advise on protocol. Contact the Mayor's office for guidance by emailing civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk.
What if the Deputy Mayor is representing the Mayor?
All the procedures above apply to the Deputy Mayor when attending an event on behalf of the Mayor.
Download a copy of our protocol information leaflet for 2022/23. protocol information (Word doc) [1MB]
Mayor's diary
If you have any queries about future events, email civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk.
Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Dennis Booth and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Masuk Miah.
Friday 24 March to Sunday 9 April 2023
Thursday 30 March
18:30 The Mayor, Councillor Dennis Booth, accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Mary Booth, attends the Knife Angel Farewell Vigil at Guildford Cathedral.
The Mayor's charities
The Mayor, Councillor Dennis Booth has chosen two charities to support during his mayoral year.
Challengers
Challengers brings the joy of play to disabled children.
The Mayor of Guildford's Local Support Fund
In Guildford, the Mayors have their own long-established charity, the Mayor of Guildford's Local Support Fund. The fund provides vital support by granting small sums of money to help those in genuine need.
The Mayor, Councillor Dennis Booth will continue to support the fund in his mayoral year.
Guildford Community Lottery
Support the Mayor's charities and be in with a chance of winning £25,000.
Mayor's fundraising events
The Mayor holds fundraising events during the mayoral year to benefit their chosen charities.
This year Mayor Councillor Dennis Booth is supporting The Mayor of Guildford's Local Support Fund and Challengers.
Events
2022
- Tuesday 12 July: Ladies afternoon tea at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford including a visit to the chained library
- Sunday 17 July: Wood Street Jazz Festival in aid of Challengers, Wood Street Village Green, Guildford
- Saturday 19 November: Call my Wine Bluff - Royal Grammar School, Guildford - £35 tickets on sale now
- Tuesday 6 December: Christmas Carol Concert in aid of Challengers, St Andrews Church, Farnham
- Sunday 11 December: The Mayor of Guildford's Christmas Carol Concert organised by the Vivace Chorus. - full details to be announced
2023
- Friday 3 February: Concert by baritone and raconteur Jonathan Veira at St Saviours Church, Guildford
- Saturday 25 March: The March Hare Ball, Guildford Harbour Hotel and Spa, Guildford
For more information, or to book a place at any of these events, email civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk
Mayor's Award for Service to the Community
Nominations for the Mayor's Award for Service to the Community 2023 are now closed.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate.