A RECEPTION to mark the inauguration of a new mayor has been postponed.

The event was due to take place at the Royal Pavilion after the election of a new mayor by Brighton and Hove City Council.

However, the council has confirmed that the reception will be delayed to allow the new mayor to review plans and invite their chosen charities to attend.

A council spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that the mayor’s reception, due to take place at the Royal Pavilion following the annual council meeting on May 26, has been temporarily postponed.

“This is because the existing arrangements for the reception were made prior to a new mayor being nominated for the next year.

“The new mayor will want to review any reception plans as well as allow time to invite representatives from their chosen charities to attend their mayor making ceremony and reception.”

The spokeswoman said that the postponement has incurred no cost to the council.

Councillor Mary Mears had been due to become the next mayor of the city at the end of this month but is no longer able to serve in the role due to ill health.

The Conservatives’ nominee to replace Cllr Mears, Hangleton and Knoll councillor Dawn Barnett, was rejected by the Green and Labour groups over concerns that she was not a suitable candidate to represent the city in the prestigious role.

The three main political parties traditionally take turns in nominating a mayor for the year, serving a largely ceremonial role.

The Greens now look set to nominate the next mayor for the city, after previously holding the position in 2019 under Cllr Alex Phillips.