Congratulations to Councillor Mark Haigh as he becomes the Mayor of Brentwood!

Congratulations to Councillor Mark Haigh as he becomes the Mayor of Brentwood!

Warley councillor, Councillor Mark Haigh’s appointment was made at the Annual Council last week (22 May), succeeding Councillor Gareth Barrett as Mayor.

Having lived in Brentwood for 27 years, Councillor Haigh brings a unique blend of experience to his new role. As a solicitor, he has honed his family and criminal law expertise, a testament to his commitment to justice and community welfare.

A lifelong football enthusiast, Councillor Haigh plays walking football for Ingatestone. By his admission, he has never been much good at it but has always been an enthusiastic participant. He also has a passion for football, squash, walking and snooker.

Since 2018, he has represented the Warley Ward as a Councillor and was recently re-elected earlier this month. He was the first Liberal Democrat elected mayor since Councillor Vicky Davies in 2014/2015. It is also the first time two councillors from the same ward have shared Brentwood’s civic duties.

Following his appointment, Councillor Haigh said: “I am hugely honoured to be able to represent Brentwood as Mayor, and I am very happy to give myself to the borough I love. This community has been my home for many years, and I am committed to making a positive impact during my term.

He added: “Brentwood’s close proximity to London, its transportation infrastructure by road and rail and its beautiful parks and landscapes makes it a very special place to live. I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors and our residents to continue building a vibrant and inclusive Brentwood.”

For his Mayoral fundraising initiatives, Councillor Haigh has chosen two local charities that have a profound impact on the Brentwood community: the Trussell Trust Food Bank, which has been a lifeline for many residents, and SNAP (Special Needs And Parents), a beacon of support for families with children who have specific needs and disabilities.

Councillor Haigh added: “As my charities, I have chosen two organisations that offer something special to Brentwood. Brentwood Trussell Trust Food Bank, led by Bonnie and her dedicated team, has provided vital support for the past 13 years. Their selfless dedication is truly inspiring, and supporting them was an easy decision.

“SNAP, founded 30 years ago by eight Brentwood mums, has been a beacon of support for families with children who have specific needs and disabilities. Their hub next to Beechwood Surgery in Warley is a testament to their extraordinary work, offering a comprehensive calendar of services that benefit both children and parents.”

Brentwood North Councillor Alison Fulcher will support Councillor Haigh in his term of office as the Mayor’s Consort.

Councillor Jay Laplain is joining Councillor Mark Haigh as Brentwood’s First Citizen and Deputy Mayor. With his wealth of experience and dedication to public service, not least as Deputy Leader last year, Councillor Laplain is also poised to contribute significantly to the community. The duo will be the first Liberal Democrats to hold both offices since the late Councillor Alan Davies did so with Councillor Shirley Howe in 2002-3.

Councillor Laplain has lived in Brentwood for 17 years, moving here with his wife to be closer to the BT office, where he has worked for BT for 25 years. He is a grandfather to six granddaughters. He has been a councillor for Warley since 2019, sitting on various committees and became Deputy Leader of Brentwood Borough Council in 2023.