Each year the Council elects from amongst its Members a Town Mayor and a Deputy Town Mayor.
The Mayor is elected by Members of the Town Council at the Annual Council Meeting which takes place in May and the Office of Mayor is for one year. The Town Council Merit Awards are also handed out annually.
The Deputy Mayor will substitute for the Mayor when they are not available and is the Mayor Elect.
The Mayor of Littlehampton has a very active Facebook page highlighting their attendance at events and showcasing the many activities they participate in see www.facebook.com/littlehamptonmayor
Town Mayor 2024 to 2025 – Councillor Sean Lee
Councillor Sean Lee has lived in Littlehampton since 2018. Having attended primary and secondary schools in the northeast of England, he left to attend University before moving to London to work for seven years. Following this, his career allowed him to travel the country as an education information systems management and systems implementation specialist in the Further Education and Higher Education Sector; whilst gaining a Masters degree part time.
In 2015, Councillor Lee took a year off to sail around the world as part of the Clipper Round the World yacht race before settling and marrying into West Sussex. After a brief period of working as a yacht technician in Gosport, he returned to his career in the education data sector and has now notched up over 25 years of work in the public sector.
He first stood for election in 2019 and has subsequently been elected to the Town Council in 2023 to represent River ward. He is a lifelong campaigner against racism and trade union activist. Whilst living in London, Councillor Lee volunteered with the Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability, working with residents to improve their lives through technology. He is a keen supporter of local charities most notably the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, with whom he was previously trainee crew.
I have chosen to support Chestnut Tree House as my Mayoral charity for the year. Chestnut Tree House with the local community, support children with life-limiting conditions to help them live life to the full with their families as well as say goodbye in the way that is right for them. This charity is very close to my heart as people with illnesses need to be able to access the care and support they need and personally it has provided respite care for my family. To find out more about Chestnut Tree House please click the following link.
A lover of the arts, music and sport Councillor Lee will continue to work on the community resources committee while in addition be a new vice chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee; and sit as a member the Policy and Finance Committee and Governance & Audit Committee.
If he has any spare time in the next year you will find Councillor Lee, kayaking on the river, swimming off the beach, walking his dogs or gardening.
He hopes to engage with residents and visitors alike to make Littlehampton as vibrant and fun as budgets allow, whilst helping to create great shared memories of a historic and progressive town.
The Mayor attends a variety of events throughout the year in and around Littlehampton. Events range from business openings to award presentations. If you would like to invite the Mayor to your function:
- Use the Mayoral Engagement Webform
The full correct description on letters and envelopes is - The Mayor of Littlehampton, Councillor and their first and last name. A letter should start with "Dear Mr/Mrs Mayor".
When greeting the Mayor it is correct to say, for example: "Good evening Mayor".
In speeches, one would say, for example, "We are pleased to have with us the Mayor of Littlehampton Town Council, Councillor and their first and last name". In the preamble to a speech being made in the Town one would say "Mr/Mrs Mayor". If it is the host who is making the speech he/she would refer to the Mayor first in the preamble unless a member of the Royal Family is present.
Unless in the Chair, the Mayor should be seated on the immediate right of the Chairman or host at any function in the Town. If other dignitaries are invited, such as the Chair of Arun District Council, please seek advice from Town Council officers on the correct protocol.
See our list of Past Mayors which starts in 1974.