Meet the new mayors of Preston, South Ribble and Chorley

It is that time of year again when the first citizens take up their ceremonial robes and role for the year ahead. The Post has caught up with the three councillors who have been honoured with the title of mayor in central Lancashire

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The new mayor of Preston never had designs on the role herself, but one member of her family was convinced decades ago that she was destined for the chains of office - or at least that she should be.

Sue Whittam recalls how her late stepdad, Joe, often mused about her becoming the city's first citizen, long before she even entered local politics.

“Maybe it was because I was always going on about this and that or trying to help people with things.

“But I can remember him always saying, ‘Susan, I think you should be mayor of Preston,’” she laughs.

While the role was never on her radar when she did finally get elected to Preston City Council as a Conservative councillor in 2014, she hopes to use it as a way of encouraging others to think about putting themselves forward to represent their communities - especially those who are currently under-represented in local government.