Retired solicitor takes over as new Mayor of Melton
Retired solicitor Jim Adcock was elected as the new Mayor of Melton at the borough council’s annual meeting this evening (Thursday).
Councillor Adcock (70), a Liberal Democrat who represents Melton Sysonby ward, takes up the top civic role just three years after winning his seat at the local elections.
He succeeds Councillor Siggy Atherton (Conservative group), who coincidentally serves in the same ward as the new Mayor.
On becoming Mayor, Councillor Adcock told the Melton Times: “It’s a great honour, particularly at a time when we are in the middle of local government reorganisation.
“I am looking forward to getting involved in that. It will be a seismic change for local government.”
His charity for the Mayoral year will be the local Air Ambulance, a cause he says ‘ticks all the boxes’ in terms of being important to residents in the borough.
Councillor Adcock’s wife, Kate, will be his Mayoress. The couple, who live in Waltham, have two sons. Kate said: “I’m delighted and astonished to do this.”
His predecessor, Councillor Atherton, said she fulfilled 110 engagements during her year in office.
She commented: “I have enjoyed meeting members of the community and realising how many things are run by volunteers.
“I learned lots of new things about the borough.
“I particularly enjoyed talking to the children at Birch Wood Special School and seeing how much they want to be part of the community.
"Also the young farmers and finding out they have a clear idea of how they want farming to go.”
Councillor Adcock’s Deputy Mayor for the coming year will be Labour councillor Helen Cliff, who also represents Melton Sysonby ward.
Councillor Cliff, who will have husband Steven as her consort, was also first elected in 2023.
The mother-of-four said: “It’s a hugely privileged position to be Deputy Mayor.
“It also comes at a critical stage for local government with the reorganisation taking place soon.
“I’m looking forward to working with my fellow Melton Sysonby colleague, Councillor Adcock, and I’m sure he will do a really great job.”
Councils are due to be reorganised by 2028 with Melton Borough Council set to be abolished in favour of a streamlined unitary authority covering wider parts of Leicestershire and Rutland.