I’m a new Town Clerk and have been asked if a Mayor has to wear the chains at the council meetings. Looking at the guidance and the various Mayor Handbooks I am leaning towards it being a personal choice but as I’m new to this all as well I would appreciate guidance on this matter.
I have never known a case when the chain isn’t worn for council
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We are a unitary authority (Borough) and we wear chains at Council as well as the Mace being present. Unless your Constitution/Standing Orders says otherwise, the chains should be worn.
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We only have the mace present we don’t allow chains to be worn at council meetings
The Mayor always wears the chain at full council, we used to have the mace present as well but that became a bit of an issue with locking it away. Hope that helps
The Mayor always wears chains at Full Council as the chains represent their position as Chair. If the Mayor is attending other meetings (even Chairing) they are doing so in their capacity as Councillor and would not wear chains to those meetings.
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The Mayor always wears chains at Full Council as the chains represent their position as Chair. If the Mayor is attending other meetings (even Chairing) they are doing so in their capacity as Councillor and would not wear chains to those meetings. We also process into the Civic Chamber with the Mace Bearer leading then the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, CEO, Representing faith to bless the meeting.
Interesting topic from a town/parish council perspective
I know at Met/unitary/district councils chains are usually worn
Our Town Council ( Morley, West Yorkshire) has Chain & Mace at full council meetings, but not (thankfully) robes
I wonder if @MikeBee is watching this thread ?
We are the same at out Local Town Council. Some Mayor’s have chosen to wear robes on some occasions but generally don’t.