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.
Friday 1 September
Lord Mayor hosting Merchant Navy Flag Raising
Lord Mayor attending MDL Mariners Celebration Dinner
Sunday 3 September
Lord Mayor attending Havant Mayor’s Civic Service
Tuesday 12 September
Lord Mayor attending Citizenship Ceremonies
Wednesday 13 September
Lord Mayor attending Bitterne Men’s Shed MacMillan Coffee Morning
Thursday 14 September
Lord Mayor attending Test Valley Mayor’s Civic Afternoon
Friday 15 September
Lord Mayor attending St Monica School New Building Opening
Saturday 16 September
Lord Mayor attending Bitterne Local History Society National Heritage Day
Tuesday 19 September
Lord Mayor attending Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Civic Afternoon
Wednesday 20 September
Lord Mayor attending Full Council
Thursday 21 September
Lord Mayor attending 9 Annual Southampton Boat Show Charity Event
Lord Mayor Opening Clockwise Offices Newly Renovated Office Space
Friday 22 September
Lord Mayor attending British Marine’s Networking Lunch Reception
Saturday 23 September
Lord Mayor attending Tour of Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess
Lord Mayor attending Harvest Polish Festival
Sunday 24 September
Lord Mayor attending Battle of Britain Service
Monday 25 September
Lord Mayor attending The Love Our Children Week Launch Event
Tuesday 26 September
Lord Mayor attending BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards
Wednesday 27 September
Lord Mayor’s Charity Fashion Show Event
Thursday 28 September
Lord Mayor attending Black History Month Launch
Sunday 30 September
Lord Mayor attending David Lloyds Charity Fund Raiser
Lord Mayor attending Portswood Library MacMillan Coffee Morning
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.
Tuesday 19 September
Sheriff attending Maritime Solent Awards 2023
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.
