Mayoral Protocol
The following information is intended to assist organisers of functions which are to be attended by the Mayor of Sefton. On some occasions the Mayor may be accompanied by the Mayoress or the Mayor’s Consort.
Arrival of the Mayor and Mayoress / Mayor’s Consort
The Mayor and when applicable, the Mayoress / Mayor’s Consort will normally arrive 5 minutes before the commencement of the function. They should be met on arrival by a responsible representative of the organisation holding the function, who should escort and introduce them to the host and the assembled company as appropriate. The host should remain in attendance throughout the entire duration of the visit or appoint another colleague to fulfil this role.
Correct form of address
The correct style and title of the Mayor is:
“The Worshipful the Mayor of Sefton, Councillor forename surname”
In person the Mayor should be addressed as:
“Mr Mayor” or “Madam Mayor” (as applicable)
In person the Mayoress or Mayor’s Consort should be addressed as:
“Mayoress” or “Mr Consort” (as applicable)
Seating
The Mayor is the first citizen of the Borough of Sefton and in any formal seating arrangements (dinners, luncheons, meetings, and social events) the Mayor should be seated on the immediate right of the host. However, if a member of the Royal Family or the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside were present, they would be given precedence over the Mayor and the Mayor would sit on the left of the host.
When the Mayoress / Mayor’s Consort accompanies the Mayor, she/he should sit on the left of the host.
Speeches
If the Mayor is required to speak at a function, it is preferred that we have at least two weeks’ notice. Except from an introduction, it is normal for the Mayor to be the first speaker or to be associated with the first toast. All relevant information concerning the event should be supplied to the Mayor's Office via email or the link to the on-line Request Form on this page together with details of any proposed activity involving the Mayor, for agreement.
Parking
Where possible a parking space should be reserved for the Mayor's car as near to the venue entrance as possible and details included via email or the link to the on-line Request Form on this page. The Mayor will usually be accompanied by a Mayoral Attendant/Driver who is required to remain on duty within easy call by the Mayor.
Church Services
The Mayor should be met at the entrance to the church and escorted to the front pew on the right-hand side. (At funeral services it is normal for family mourners to occupy the front right hand pew and for the mayoral party to take the left).
Visits to Schools or Meetings
Where appropriate the organiser should arrange for those present to rise upon the Mayor's entrance and departure.
Cloakroom Facilities
Where cold or inclement weather involves the Mayor arriving in outdoor clothing, the provision of cloakroom facilities upon arrival would be appreciated.
Further Information
If you require further information about protocol, please contact:
The Civic and Mayoral Services Officer
Town Hall
Oriel Road
Bootle
L20 7AE
Tele: 0151 934 2062
Email: mayorsoffice@sefton.gov.uk
At most events, the Mayor and Mayoress/Consort will be accompanied by a Mayoral Attendant/Driver, and he will be able to give any procedural advice at the event.