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 2025 to 2026 - Councillor Alan Butcher
Born in Littlehampton, Alan’s history with the Town Council reaches back to 1989 when he received a Town Merit Award as part of a group of Littlehampton Community School students winning national Business Competitions.
Alan began representing those around him at university, going on to be Chair of the Union Council and later representing fellow employees when he worked in the laboratories at the Body Shop. Alan was first elected to the Town Council in 1999 and after a gap during which he stood for parliament four times he was returned to represent Wickbourne in a by election in 2021. Alan has also been elected to Arun District Council in 2003 and 2023.
Alan believes the Town Council can have a central role in Littlehampton as the first and closest level of representation for local people. Alan further believes this gives the council a loud and confident voice for the townspeople and the ability to direct resources within the town to address local priorities.
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.