It is the honour of my life to be the new Mayor of Macclesfield for the 2026/27 Civic Year. As a proud Maxonian, I love my hometown and look forward to giving back to it.

At the age of 25, I am believed to be the youngest mayor in our town's history - something that says a great deal about the opportunities and encouragement this town gives its people. I attended Parkroyal Community School, before going to All Hallows for my high school and sixth form years.

I never expected to become a councillor - in fact, when I was first elected in 2019, it came as a total surprise to me (and I'm sure everyone else!). Fast forward to now, and I'm the mayor of the town I love. But this isn't about me, it's about Macclesfield.

As mayor, my role is to be an ambassador for our town — and that is made easy by the pride people have in Macclesfield. We are proud of our heritage, our resilience and our community spirit. And whilst there is so much more to do, I am committed to using my year as mayor - my last year as a councillor - to delivering change.

I want to pay tribute to councillor Emma Gilman, who has concluded a fantastic year as mayor of our town. Her theme around empowering young people was close to my heart, and her fundraising for CRY and Park Lane School will make a huge difference.

James Barber-Chadwick is believed to be the youngest mayor in Macclesfield's history (Credit: Supplied)

As I look ahead to my year in office, I am delighted to be carrying forward Cardiac Risk in the Young to be one of my mayoral charities - a cause very close to my heart. Furthermore, I will also be fundraising for MyCWA, a charity that supports victims of domestic abuse across Cheshire.

My theme is centred around our town's spirit and collectivism. At times, it can be easy to focus on the challenges our town faces. But I believe Macclesfield has every reason to be optimistic about its future, and that's because of the people, organisation and communities that make our town what it is. Because, as the late Jo Cox MP once said, we 'have more in common than that which divides us'. During difficult times for many, it is by bringing people together that we can deliver the positive change we all seek.

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Look at our football club, who under the ownership of Rob Smethurst have been reborn and captured the hearts of many across the world with our remarkable victory against Crystal Palace this year. Look at the charities and voluntary organisations who continue to support our communities during difficult times. Look at those who are breaking down barriers every day. That is what Macclesfield is all about, and as mayor I want to be a powerful voice for everyone.

Across the next 12 months, I will be attending a number of events and supporting a variety of organisations. I will also be hosting my own fundraising events – more details to come!

If you want me to attend something, please do get in touch. Supporting others is what being mayor is all about, and I'm excited to meet so many difference-makers across our town over the next 12 months.

Finally, to Macclesfield - my hometown - thank you.

James Barber-Chadwick - Mayor of Macclesfield

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