The Worshipful The Civic Mayor of Tameside 2024-25

Councillor Betty Affleck

Cllr Affleck, who is a retired catering manager, was born in Dublin but moved to Hyde as a child. She has represented Godley ward since 2015 and has now been appointed as Civic Mayor of Tameside.

As a Tameside councillor she is chair of the south strategic neighbourhood forum and a member of speakers panel (planning), Hyde Accelerator Town Centre Delivery Group, and Hyde War Memorial Trust.

Her interests include cooking for friends and family, going for long walks, and researching her family history. The Civic Mayor will be supported by her brother Declan Fitzpatrick as Mayor’s consort.

The Civic Mayor-elect said: “I am delighted to have been asked to serve and represent the borough as civic mayor in its golden jubilee year. I am especially proud to be following in my dad Joe Fitzpatrick’s footsteps, and to wearing the chain he proudly wore in 1987. 

“I know it will be an extremely busy 12 months but I’m sure that with my brother Declan – who has agreed to be by my side as my consort, wearing the chain worn by my mother Rose – it will be a very rewarding year. I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m especially keen to work with as many community groups and schools as possible. I also want to meet volunteers of all ages.”

Cllr Affleck’s chosen charities are Friends of Tameside Young Carers; The Shed, which works with men who would otherwise be isolated; and East Manchester Community Boat Project which is based at Portland Basin.

The Civic Mayor’s chaplain will be the Rev Robert Balfour from Hyde Methodists.

The new Deputy Mayor is Cllr Shibley Alam, who represents Hyde Werneth who will be supported by her husband as consort - Mohammed Khairul Alam.

Civic Mayor

The Civic Mayor, and in his/her absence, the Deputy Mayor, preside over the first and opening part of each Council meeting.

The Civic Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be elected by the Council annually. The Civic Mayor will have the following responsibilities:-

1. to uphold and promote the purposes of the Constitution, and to interpret the Constitution when necessary;
2. to promote public involvement in the Council’s activities;
3. to be the conscience of the Council;
4. as the first citizen of Tameside to deal with his/her ambassadorial role both inside and outside the Borough;
5. to chair Civic Council meetings including a mid term Civic Council Meeting to present the State of the Borough address in relation to his/her duties;
6. together with the members of the Civic Panel, to market Tameside in a positive manner; and
7. to attend such civic and ceremonial functions as the Council or (s)he determines appropriate.