BARNSLEY will welcome a new mayor today.
Coun John Parkinson will take on the role as civic leader at the annual council meeting at Barnsley Town Hall.
The 59-year-old will be accompanied on his civic duties by his wife Linda.
He was first elected to Barnsley Council in 2002 for Darto
n East as a Labour councillor and serves on children's services, housing, planning and licensing committees.
He also serves on South Yorkshire police authority and is a governor at Darton Junior and Infant school.
In the past he helped manage the care and support of asylum seekers and refugees.
The Parkinsons have a son, daughter and three grandsons and have nominated Barnsley-based NSPCC projects as their charity for the year.
Deputy Mayor will be Coun Margaret Sheard and her consort will be her husband Tom.
The retiring Mayor, Coun Ken Sanderson and his wife Beryl, will be presented with replicas of their medallions from their chains of office.
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