The Mayor's Office

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How do I invite The Mayor to my event?
  A: All invitations are required in writing stating the date, time, venue, and background information of your event and what The Mayor is required to do. Invitations can be sent by letter, fax, or email - see below. Protocol requires that you should always address invitation to The Mayor in the first instance. Invitations are usually accepted on a first come first served basis, but due to high demand it may not be possible for The Mayor or Deputy Mayor to accept. To avoid disappointment, the more advance notice you give the better.

• Q: What happens if The Mayor is busy and cannot attend?
  A: With your permission, we can approach the Deputy Mayor to see if he/she is available to represent the Mayor. If this is an option you would like it would be helpful if you mention this in your letter of invitation.

• Q: What do I call The Mayor?
  A: When you're in conversation with The Mayor, you usually say "Mr Mayor or Madam Mayor" wherever you'd use a person's name. For example: "Nice to meet you, Mr Mayor/Madam Mayor".

• Q: How do I address The Mayor in a letter?
  A: The Worshipful The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor (then their name). Starting the letter with "Dear Mr Mayor or Madam Mayor".

• Q: In the case of speeches who makes the first speech?
  A: The Mayor, usually after a brief introduction by the host except where there's a toast to the Borough: in which case they will always respond to this. You don't have to have a toast.

• Q: How does The Mayor get elected?
  A: First of all, the choice must be from elected Councillors. The chance to choose a Mayor is taken in turns by the political groups on the Council. The Mayor is usually a member of a group who's had long service within it, and is generally well thought of and respected within their group. The person who wins is the one who gets the most votes. This candidate is then elected by the whole Council at an Annual Council Meeting where they are voted in for the forthcoming year.

• Q: Does The Mayor have a Charity for the year?
  A: Yes, The Mayoral Charity Fund. It is not the normal practice for The Mayor to nominate one or two named Charities to benefit from the Mayoral Charity Fund, but rather to distribute the funds at the end of his year to several Charities within the Borough.

Here are some handy tips:

• When The Mayor enters a reception, it's customary for people to rise. This courtesy is usually extended when The Mayor leaves as well.
• If The Mayor isn't acting as chairman at a function, seat them immediately to the right of the chairman. This applies to seating arrangements at lunches and dinners, too.
• The Mayor might not know people in your organisation or what you do. So, it's helpful to everyone if you can appoint someone to meet The Mayor upon arrival and look after them during the visit. Name them on the briefing form so the chauffeur can seek them out.

If your questions does not appear here:

Look under related Links:
Guidance Notes
History of the Mayor
Mayor's CV
Deputy Mayor's CV
Telephone: 0121 704 6041/6023
Email: mayor@solihull.gov.uk

 

Contact the Mayor's Office

The Mayor's Parlour,
The Council House,
Solihull
B91 9QS

Telephone: 0121-704-6023
Fax: 0121 704 8070
Email: mayor@solihull.gov.uk