COUNCILLOR Jeff Hart has been re-elected to serve as Mayor of Wimborne Minster for the 2025/26 civic year.

This comes after a mayor-making ceremony which took place yesterday (May 27) in the historic Town Hall chamber, which was attended by fellow councillors and members of the local community.

The event was supported by the proud presence of the Wimborne Militia, who added ceremony and tradition to the occasion.

Wimborne Town Council said the re-election marked a continuation of dedicated service by cllr Hart, who has held the mayoralty with “distinction and commitment to the people of Wimborne Minster”.

During the ceremony, cllr Hart expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and friends for their support, reaffirming his passion for serving the town and supporting local initiatives in the year ahead.

Also confirmed during the ceremony was the appointment of cllr Simon Wheeler as deputy town mayor.

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Cllr Wheeler, who brings significant experience and community involvement to the role, pledged to support the mayor in his duties and work closely with the council to promote the well-being and development of the town.

Speaking after his re-election, cllr Hart said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be re-elected as Mayor of Wimborne Minster.

“I look forward to continuing the important work of representing our community, supporting local charities, and promoting the town both locally and beyond.

Wimborne Militia with the mayor Picture: Tom Scrase

“I’m also delighted to have cllr Simon Wheeler as my deputy, and I know we will work well together in the year ahead.”

As part of the ceremony, the town mayor also announced his chosen charities for the coming year: Millstream Theatre Group, a local inclusive arts organisation supporting adults with learning disabilities, and Dorset Community Action’s youth services, which provide vital support and opportunities for young people across the county.

The mayor-making ceremony is a long-standing tradition in the civic calendar of Wimborne Minster and serves as a formal beginning to the mayoral year.

It celebrates not only leadership but also community spirit and the values that underpin local governance.