Southampton's 801st Right Worshipful Mayor, and second Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Valerie Laurent, was sworn in at a 'Mayor Making' ceremony on Wednesday 17 May 2023.
A series of special Lord Mayor events in support of the Lord Mayor's chosen charities will take place through the year. You can find out more about these below.
Lord Mayor Valerie Laurent
Councillor Laurent became the 801st Mayor and second Lord Mayor of Southampton on Wednesday 17 May 2023 following her year as Sheriff of the City.
Lord Mayor Valerie Laurent
Lord Mayor Laurent’s chosen charities are Oasis Southampton City Farm, Southampton Sea Cadets and Saints Foundation.
Sheriff Dave Shields
Councillor Shields takes on the role of 586th Sheriff of Southampton.
Honorary Admiral of the Port
The Lord Mayor of Southampton is the Honorary Admiral of the Port.
Originally Maritime trade and domestic maritime problems were handled by common law. This was until the 14th century, when local customs started to be relied on to deal with these matters. Over time maritime law and jurisdiction developed in boroughs which were home to ports, such as Southampton.
Southampton is where, it is said, the first admiralty courts were held, soon after Henry VI’s specific grant in 1451.
These honours were bestowed to acknowledge the tremendous contribution the port had made to the country by "the eminence it had attained in overseas trade" and the Lord Mayors "Admiralty Jurisdiction" extended from Hurst Castle in the West to Langstone on the East - and included Portsmouth. Power was given to the mayor to exercise all the functions of Admiral of England within the town and port of Southampton.
As Admiral of the Port, the Lord Mayor also has their own flag, a traditional Admirals Flag of red St. George’s Cross on a white background with a black anchor motif in the canton.
Invite the Lord Mayor to your engagement
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Before you start
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A number of events are being held throughout the year to raise money for Lord Mayor Laurent’s chosen charities. All events are being organised by Oak Tree Tours.
A Day on Board MS Bolette – Sunday 29 October 2023
Wine Tasting – Wednesday 1 November 2023
Masked Ball – Friday 23 February 2024
Lord Mayor Laurent's diary summarySHOW
This diary is updated regularly and every effort is made to ensure all events are accurate and up to date. However, some events and dates may be changed at the last minute, therefore we apologise for any inconvenience caused in such cases.
Thursday 1 June
Lord Mayor attending the Opening of Alzheimer’s Society Hub
Friday 2 June
Lord Mayor hosting Anniversary Tea
Lord Mayor attending Southampton Beer Festival
Saturday 3 June
Lord Mayor attending Cubes for Fun Family Fun Day
Sunday 4 June
Lord Mayor attending Townhill Park Residents Association 60th Anniversary Party
Thursday 8 June
Lord Mayor hosting Charity Cream Tea Afternoon
Lord Mayor attending Shipping Festival Service
Friday 9 June
Lord Mayor attending Southampton Commons and Parks Protection Society Meeting
Saturday 10 June
Lord Mayor attending Southampton Sea Cadets Rowing Race and BBQ
Sunday 11 June
Lord Mayor attending Basingstoke and Deane Civic Service
Thursday 15 June
Lord Mayor attending Southampton Flower Club Platinum Anniversary Celebration
Friday 16 June
Lord Mayor attending Breakout Youth’s 30th Anniversary Event
Monday 19 June
Lord Mayor hosting the Armed Forces Flag Raising
Tuesday 20 June
Lord Mayor hosting Citizenship Ceremonies
Wednesday 21 June
Lord Mayor attending Vision Research Laboratories
Thursday 22 June
Lord Mayor hosting Courtesy Calls
Saturday 24 June
Lord Mayor attending National Refugee Week Parade
Lord Mayor attending Inauguration of the Ghana Association of Southampton
Monday 26 June
Lord Mayor attending HM Lord-Lieutenant Reception
Friday 30 June
Lord Mayor attending Woolston Infant School Civic Award Assembly
Lord Mayor attending Southampton Shipowners Association Summer Ball
Sheriff's diary summarySHOW
This diary is updated regularly and every effort is made to ensure all events are accurate and up to date. However, some events and dates may be changed at the last minute, therefore we apologise for any inconvenience caused in such cases.
Thursday 8 June
Sheriff attending Shipping Festival Service
Thursday 22 June
Sheriff attending Armed Forces Briefing
Sunday 25 June
Sheriff attending Hampshire Scouts AGM
Contact details
The Lord Mayor's Office provides support for the Lord Mayor and Sheriff. The office manages their diaries and provides information and guidance for groups and organisations who wish to invite the Lord Mayor to events.
