Cllr Jennifer Corcoran takes over from outgoing Sefton mayor June Burns
Jennifer Corcoran, councillor for Great Crosby, is the new Mayor of Sefton(Image: Emma Morgan / Liverpool Echo )
The Mayor of Sefton for 2026/7 has been elected. Cllr Jennifer Corcoran will take over from June Burns, who has been in the role for three consecutive years since 2023, and who also served as mayor in 2019/20 and during covid. She lost her seat in the local elections and will be retiring now that her term as mayor is over.
She lost her seat in the local elections and will be retiring now that her term as mayor is over. Meanwhile, Labour councillor for Netherton North, Carla Thomas, has been elected deputy mayor.
These decisions were taken during Sefton Council’s first annual meeting since this year’s local elections on Tuesday evening at Bootle Town Hall – also sometimes called the “mayor-making” – during which councillors unanimously elected Cllr Corcoran.
Making reference to her work with Sefton Pride CIC, as well as on the council’s overview and scrutiny and licensing committees, council leader Marion Atkinson told those present: “I know that [Cllr Corcoran] will approach her mayoral role with dedication, integrity, and a strong commitment to our communities.”
Cllr Corcoran, who represents Great Crosby, thanked her fellow councillors and her family for their support, noting that she was expecting her daughter, who was there to see her robed as mayor, when she was first elected in 2021.
Cllr Atkinson also thanked outgoing mayor Ms Burns for her “dedication and service,” adding: “Cllr Burns has demonstrated consistent and ongoing commitment to the borough and its residents. During this period, Cllr Burns has been a great support to me as leader, particularly during the challenges we have faced as a council, and she played a crucial role providing support following the tragic events in Southport.
“At a time when communities needed it the most, June was there.” She added: “She has handled some of the most challenging debates and characters throughout her tenure with wit, respect, but a no-nonsense attitude.” Cllr Atkinson said “we will miss June” for “her passion for Sefton and the people who live here”.
Ms Burns said that it has been “an absolute privilege and an honour” to serve as mayor, adding “you do get to see the best of people” in the role.
June Burns is the outgoing mayor(Image: Emma Morgan / Liverpool Echo)
She said: “But, of course, it’s not always been a pleasurable occasion. As you all know, the events of July 2024 will always be remembered. Bebe, Elsie, and Alice will never be forgotten.”
She also paid tribute to her late husband Paul, who she married in Bootle Town Hall in 2024 but who has since died.
Ms Burns concluded by wishing Cllr Corcoran well in the mayoral role, telling her: “Make this year your own. At least you don’t have me breathing down your neck.”
Mayors must be a serving councillor, and usually have considerable experience on the council.
They are appointed to serve for a year-long term, during which they refrain from political activity and do not have any decision-making powers.
After their term is over, they usually revert to serving as a councillor, focusing on their ward rather than the borough as a whole.
The Mayor of Sefton acts as the “first citizen” of the borough, chairing council meetings, representing the council at civic and ceremonial events and promoting the borough more widely.
They also raise funds for the Mayor of Sefton’s Charity Fund. This year, Cllr Corcoran has selected charities including Bebe’s Hive in Southport for her chosen causes.
A mayor is elected if they gain a simple majority of councillor votes (more than half of those cast).
