BARRY TOWN COUNCIL WELCOMES NEW MAYOR FOR 2025/26

BARRY TOWN COUNCIL WELCOMES NEW MAYOR FOR 2025/26

Councillor Dennis Clarke became the Mayor of Barry for 2025/26 at Barry Town Council’s Annual Meeting on Monday 12 May 2025. Councillor Clarke was nominated by Councillor Shirley Hodges and seconded by Councillor Ian Johnson, with all council members present unanimously agreeing on appointing Councillor Clarke as the new Mayor of Barry.

The Mayor of Barry for municipal year 2024/25 was Councillor Catherine Iannucci-Williams, who spoke on the evening about what a great honour it had been to be the Mayor of Barry. Councillor Iannucci-Williams’ charities for the year were SHUA and Vale Foodbank.

Councillor Dennis Clarke took the reins from Councillor Catherine Iannucci-Williams, in the traditional Mayor Making Ceremony held at Victoria Park Community Centre. The ceremony included the Mayor’s Mace Bearer taking up the role of protector and escorting the Mayor and Acting Chief Officer into the meeting.

Councillor Dennis Clarke was first elected as a Town Councillor in 2019 and currently represents the Buttrills Ward. Born in Barry, Councillor Clarke attended Colcot and High Street schools before moving on to Barry Boys’ Grammar School. He later studied Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Reading, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in 1971. In 1976, he was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors.

Councillor Clarke is active in the local community as a Governor of Cadoxton School and a Trustee of Advocacy Matters, Wales.

The Mayor of Barry, Councillor Dennis Clarke is accompanied by his wife Janet Clarke as Mayoress for municipal year 2025/26. His nominated charities for his term are Mind in the Vale, and Valeways.

Upon his investiture, Councillor Clarke remarked:
“I am deeply honoured to be nominated for this role, with the unanimous support of the Council. It is a position of great importance for Barry, and I am committed to representing our town with respect and dedication throughout my term. My Mayoress—my wife of 52 years, Janet—and I plan to attend as many community events as possible, and we look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations with many residents.”

The Deputy Mayor of Barry for municipal year 2025/26 is Councillor Ewan Goodjohn who was nominated by Councillor Helen Payne and seconded by Councillor Catherine Iannucci-Williams.

Councillor Ewan Goodjohn began his interest in local government as a member of the Vale Youth Council. At the age of 21, he is the youngest Deputy Mayor in Barry’s history. Councillor Ewan Goodjohn holds a qualification in accountancy, and is currently studying Business and Economics. He is committed to the environment and improvements for the local community.