Councillor Tony Cox elected as Southend’s 105th Mayor

May 15, 2026

Councillor Tony Cox was formally elected as the 105th Mayor of Southend on the 14th May at the Annual Meeting of the Council, taking over the role from Cllr Nigel Folkard.

The ceremony began with prayers led by the outgoing Mayor's Chaplain, Fr Graham Smith.

Following the formal nomination and election process, Cllr Cox was robed and returned to the chamber. He then signed the official Declaration of Acceptance of Office, and he and his wife Michelle Cox, alongside Valerie Jarvis, were presented with the Chains of Office.

Mayor Tony Cox said: "It is such an honour to be chosen as Mayor of our city. I'm proud to serve Southend and will do my absolute best to meet the expectations of this important role.

"My wife Michele and I, as well as Valerie Jarvis, are looking forward to getting out and about, meeting the people who make Southend such a special place to live and work, and celebrating the fantastic charities and community groups that support our city every day.

"I'm pleased to share that Reverend Paul Mackay, of St Mary’s Church in Prittlewell, has kindly agreed to be my Chaplain for the year. My chosen charities will be SEND The Right Message and SAFE Essex, two causes close to my heart that do outstanding work supporting local people."

Outgoing Mayor, Cllr Nigel Folkard, was presented with a Past Mayor's Badge, and Mrs Marion Folkard received a Past Mayoress Badge in recognition of their service.

Cllr Folkard said: "I wish Mayor Tony Cox and his wife Michele, as well as Valerie Jarvis, all the best for the year ahead. I also want to thank my colleagues, friends, Chalkwell ward residents, and everyone who's supported me this past year.

"I'm also hugely grateful to everyone who helped raise a significant amount for my chosen charities – Southend in Sight and Southend University Hospital Dandelion Appeal. A total of £58,544 was raised for the two charities and I want to recognise the great work of the fundraising committee. It's been a privilege to serve our city, and I'll look back on this time with great fondness."

Also during the meeting, Cllr Anne Jones was appointed Deputy Mayor for 2026/27. Mr Brian Jones, received his Deputy Consort badge.

About Mayor Tony Cox

A councillor for West Shoebury Ward since 2006. He was not on the council for 1 year in 2014 and was then re-elected the following year. He will continue to be the Reform UK Group Leader has previously led the Council (2023 to 24) and served on most of the key council committees, including Cabinet, Cabinet Committee and Scrutiny Committees

Valerie Jarvis, the widower of former Councillor and Mayor Derek Jarvis, will become one of the incoming mayor’s mayoresses.

Did you know?

The Mayor of Southend is a ceremonial role. The Mayor continues to represent their ward as a councillor, but Mayoral duties are separate within the Council, the Mayor's main responsibility is to chair meetings of the Full Council

Outside the Council, the Mayor represents the city and its people at events, openings, visits and more, supporting charities, welcoming visitors, and raising the profile of Southend across the region it is tradition for the longest-serving councillor who wishes to be Mayor to first serve as Deputy Mayor the year before