Basingstoke and Deane has a new ceremonial leader following the appointment of Councillor Jacky Tustain as Mayor for the 2026/27 term. The official transition took place at the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Civic Offices during the Mayor Making ceremony held on Thursday 14 May 2026.
Councillor Tustain, who has represented the Popley ward since 2021 and served as Deputy Mayor during the previous year, accepted the chain of office from outgoing Mayor Councillor Colin Phillimore. As the borough’s first citizen, the Mayor acts as a ceremonial representative at civic events and official visits, taking precedence over all others in the area with the exception of the Royal Family and the Lord Lieutenant.
In addition to the mayoral appointment, Councillor Sajish Tom has been named as the Deputy Mayor for 2026/27. Councillor Tustain has announced that her focus for the year will be to encourage a more connected and healthy community. To support this, she is establishing a community chest fund designed to provide grants to local charities and community groups. This initiative will specifically assist organisations that work to improve physical and mental wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
Councillor Tustain has been a resident of the borough since the age of five and currently serves as a trustee for several local groups, including the Basingstoke & District Disability Forum, Basingstoke Charities, Basingstoke Mencap, Loddon Social Enterprise and the Popley Fields Community Association. More information regarding the mayoral role and its responsibilities can be found at the official council biography page.
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