Councillor Alan Robbins serves second year as Brighton mayor

Councillor Alan Robins is serving for a second year after coronavirus disrupted mayoral duties through 2020.

He still managed to attended 145 engagements ranging despite multiple lockdowns and many cancelled events.

Councillor Robins said he was touched by how communities across the city had worked together to support each other through the pandemic.

He said: “I hope it will be more normal for me as mayor and look forward to you all joining me in future events.

“Brighton, Hove and Portslade has a long and well-established history of being a city that is open to visitors and investors alike.

“I want to continue to support that during the year of the city’s recovery from the pandemic.”

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Last year, a decision allowed Councillor Robins to take the non-political role for a second year due to the pandemic.

He attended scores of engagements including graduations and arts events to health and well-being and heritage.

While plans for the coming year include a charity health walk, a guided tour focusing on women behind the blue plaques, tea in the pavilion gardens and a choral evening at All Saints Church.

Councillor Robins will continue to support Sussex Heart Charity, Brighton Fringe, Leo House at Home, Together Co and Off The Fence during the next year.

While in October, a service of compassion could take place at at The Dome to recognise all those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic.

Council leader Phélim Mac Cafferty praised Councillor Robins for his year in office.

He said: “In the circumstances, you’ve been an affable, friendly, acceptable mayor, despite the circumstances.

“Fingers crossed as things carry on unlocking, I know you’re keen to get out and about, and I hope you can do that in the coming months ahead.”

The mayor in action

Councillor Robins was confirmed in the role during the council's annual meeting on Thursday.

There were 14 councillors in Hove Town Hall, the minimum number permitted for decision-making, with others able to watch.

Labour group leader councillor John Allcock nominated Councillor Robins, noting his pride at representing South Portslade for the last ten years, the area where he was born.

Councillor Allcock said: “He is a popular councillor, being well respected and regarded by councillors of all political parties and none.

“Alan has worked hard as a mayor during what we all know has been a challenging year during the pandemic, chairing full council meetings remotely and providing some welcome warmth to our virtual proceedings.”

Councillor Allcock said he hopes as lockdown restrictions ease, Councillor Robins will get to enjoy the mayoral role he should have had for the last year, getting out and about among the community.

• READ MORE: New mayor elected as city looks to recover from coronavirus crisis

Both Labour co-leader councillor Carmen Appich and Conservative group leader Councillor Steve Bell referred to Councillor Robins’ career in paint.

Councillor Bell said: “When you are released into the city, I am sure with your business skills you will be painting the city in very many different colours.”

Brighton and Hove’s first female leader Councillor Mary Mears also secured a second year as Deputy Mayor.

Newly-elected Conservative councillor Anne Meadows praised Councillor Mears for representing her residents in Rottingdean Coastal ward for more than 23 years.

Councillor Mears led the council from 2008-2011 and won Local Government Person of the Year in 2011.