Your City Council

His Right Worshipful the Mayor of Newport

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Newport

The present Mayor, Councillor Cliff Suller, is the 381st Mayor of the City of Newport (city status was given to Newport in 2002).

Cliff was born in Maesglas and raised in Newport attending Maesglas Schools and went onto Newport College of Technology before moving to Caerleon 40 years ago. Most of his working life has been spent in the dock industry.

He joined the Council representing Caerleon and has enjoyed every moment.

He is a member of the Trustee Board of Newport Citizens Advice Bureau and also sits on the governing board of Caerleon Endowed Infant School and Caerleon Comprehensive School. Cliff is also a Trustee of the Williams Charity.

His interests are gardening, theatre, football and enjoying the company of his grandchildren.

Cliff and his wife Christine feel privileged to be undertaking the role of Mayor and Mayoress of Newport and look forward to meeting the people of Newport during their year of office.

Mayor’s Charity 2013/2014

The Mayor has chosen to support Macmillan Cancer Support (opens new website) during his mayoral year.

Please help support this deserving charity.

Past Mayors

Newport’s first Mayor, Mr Ralph Dery, is recorded as taking up office in 1314.

The Civic role was then left unrecorded until 1401, when Roger Thomas held office. Over the years several Mayors have held office for more than one term.

One of Newport most famous Mayors was John Frost in 1836, who, less than four years later, was condemned to death for treason for his part in the Chartist uprising.

This sentence was commuted to transportation for life and in 1856 he was given a full pardon and returned to Newport.

Role of Mayor

The Mayor's primary duty is to act as the Chair of full council meetings, ensuring that the proceedings are conducted properly and that all shades of opinion are given a hearing.

The Mayor is also the first citizen of Newport and represents the council at civic and ceremonial events both in and outside the city.

During the term of office the Mayor is non-political, and is unable to attend or become involved in any contentious issues.

The Mayor is elected at the annual council meeting to be a representative of all the people of Newport, and undertakes a ceremonial role as a figurehead for the city.

Article 5 (pdf) of the council’s Constitution offers more information on the role and function of Mayor.