Each year the Council elects from amongst its Members a Town Mayor and a Deputy Town Mayor.
The Mayor is elected by Members of the Town Council at the Annual Council Meeting which takes place in May and the Office of Mayor is for one year. The Town Council Merit Awards are also handed out annually.
The Deputy Mayor will substitute for the Mayor when they are not available and is the Mayor Elect.
The Mayor of Littlehampton has a very active Facebook page highlighting their attendance at events and showcasing the many activities they participate in see www.facebook.com/littlehamptonmayor
Town Mayor 2026 to 2027 - Councillor Maralyn May
I was born in Salford, Lancashire. Both my parents worked full time and I was cared for by my grandmother, who was a wonderful cook. I went to the local church primary school then on to the brand new Secondary modern, where I joined the school choir and began my love of classical music.
My first job was in a large office in the centre of Manchester. I married and had two children. I decided to go back to work and retrained as a Nursing Assistant. I worked in a very large hospital in Salford. 43 years ago, we moved down to Sussex and as we travelled along the coast we came upon Littlehampton and just fell in love with the place.
For 11 years I worked night duty in the lovely cottage hospital in Littlehampton and made some amazing friends.
I had my third child and decided it was time for a change so began working as a District Nurse, which I continued for the next 28 years.
I loved my job, but the time had come for me to retire. However, I still wanted to work for the community and therefore becoming a local councillor seemed a good idea. I was voted in in 2023 and I'm enjoying every minute.
Littlehampton is a very special place. We are fortunate to have a beautiful coastline, wonderful green spaces, and warm, welcoming communities.
There is also so much to look forward to. With private investment in new hotels and government funding such as Pride in Place with £20 million being invested across Wick and Toddington, giving residents a real voice in shaping their future.
Our application for Town of Culture, along with strong partnerships between the Town Council, community groups, organisations, volunteers, and our museum shows how much we are moving forward together.
During my Mayoral year, my focus will be on community, inclusion, kindness, and the care of our green spaces. By working together, we can improve the lives and wellbeing of all our residents.
I know I won’t do this alone. I will be supported by dedicated officers and fellow councillors.
I take this office with great pride and will do my utmost to represent the love I have for Littlehampton in the very best way I can.
Our town is moving forward with confidence, and I truly believe we are heading towards a bright future together.
The Mayor attends a variety of events throughout the year in and around Littlehampton. Events range from business openings to award presentations. If you would like to invite the Mayor to your function:
- Use the Mayoral Engagement Webform
The full correct description on letters and envelopes is - The Mayor of Littlehampton, Councillor and their first and last name. A letter should start with "Dear Mr/Mrs Mayor".
When greeting the Mayor it is correct to say, for example: "Good evening Mayor".
In speeches, one would say, for example, "We are pleased to have with us the Mayor of Littlehampton Town Council, Councillor and their first and last name". In the preamble to a speech being made in the Town one would say "Mr/Mrs Mayor". If it is the host who is making the speech he/she would refer to the Mayor first in the preamble unless a member of the Royal Family is present.
Unless in the Chair, the Mayor should be seated on the immediate right of the Chairman or host at any function in the Town. If other dignitaries are invited, such as the Chair of Arun District Council, please seek advice from Town Council officers on the correct protocol.
See our list of Past Mayors which starts in 1974.