Councillor Tony Cox has been officially elected as the 105th Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, marking the start of his 2026/27 term following the city’s Annual Meeting of the Council on 14 May 2026.
As part of his new role, the Mayor has announced that his chosen charities for the year are SEND The Right Message (STRM) and SAFE Essex. Mayor Cox described both organisations as causes close to his heart that provide outstanding support to local residents.
SEND The Right Message is a parent-led charity established in 2021 that supports families of disabled and neurodivergent children across Southend, Castle Point, and Rochford. Meanwhile, SAFE Essex serves as a support group dedicated to raising autism awareness and providing essential assistance to autistic individuals and their families throughout Essex, including Southend and Thurrock. Residents can look forward to various community-focused fundraising activities organised to support these two groups throughout the coming year.
Mayor Cox, who has represented the West Shoebury Ward as a councillor since 2006, serves as the leader of the Southend Reform UK Group. While the Mayoral position is a ceremonial role that remains separate from his duties as a ward councillor, he will be supported throughout his tenure by his wife, Michelle Cox, and fellow mayoress Valerie Jarvis. Councillor Anne Jones was also appointed as the new Deputy Mayor at the meeting.
The appointment follows a successful fundraising year for the outgoing Mayor, Nigel Folkard, who raised £58,544 for his chosen charities, Southend in Sight and the Southend University Hospital Dandelion Appeal. Mayor Cox’s ceremonial team for the year ahead will also include Reverend Paul Mackay, of St Mary’s Church in Prittlewell, who will serve as the Mayor’s Chaplain.
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