CHILDREN are key to the new mayor of Leamington.
Coun Sarah Boad received the mayoral chain during Leamington Town Council’s Annual Meeting.
Born in Herefordshire, Coun Boad moved to Warwickshire in 1986, where she now lives with her husband, former mayor Coun Alan Boad, and their two children.
After completing a degree in Metallurgy in 1979, she worked in carbon technology in South Wales and Coventry before moving into membership support roles with The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, where she worked until retiring in 2024.
Coun Boad has lived in Leamington for nearly 40 years and has been actively involved in the community throughout that time. Her roles have included serving as a school governor at Telford Infant School, church warden at St Mary Magdalene Church in Lillington, and supporting a range of local community groups.
She said: “Leamington is a wonderful place to live and I am very proud to represent the residents of Lillington on the town council. I am looking forward to visiting local organisations and learning more about the important work they do within our community.
“I was honoured to serve as mayor 32 years ago, and since then many new organisations and community groups have been established. During my previous term, I visited every school in Leamington, and I hope to do so again. I also want to recognise the incredible contribution volunteers make to our town every day.”
Coun Boad became a town councillor in 2002 when the council was formed and was formally elected in 2003. She has served continuously ever since and is currently chair of the policy and resources committee. She is the only current town councillor to have served since the council’s formation.
She also served on Warwick District Council from 1987 to 2003 and previously held the role of mayor from 1994 to 1995, becoming the youngest female mayor at the time.
Since 1994, she has also served as a Liberal Democrat Warwickshire County Councillor and is currently the group leader, as well as vice chair of the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors.
As part of her mayoral year, Coun Boad has chosen the Warwickshire Music Education Trust as her nominated charity.
Coun Boad added: “I am passionate about ensuring children have opportunities to participate in music through schools. The money raised during my mayoral year will help deliver a music event in every primary school in Leamington, working closely with schools and the County Music Service.”
The Warwickshire Music Education Trust provides financial assistance to support music education for students across Warwickshire, including funding instruments, lessons, and music projects for children and young people.
Coun Savita Lekhi was confirmed as deputy mayor.
