Stroud has a new mayor after Central Ward councillor Louisa Stinton was elected to the civic role at a meeting of Stroud Town Council.
Cllr Stinton succeeds Uplands Ward councillor Tony Davey, who has become Deputy Mayor after deciding to step down during his third term. The election was held at Full Council on Monday 28 September 2026 in the Council Chamber at Locking Hill.
Mr Davey’s decision was intended to bring the mayoral term into line with the council’s planning and budget-setting cycle for the year ahead. Autumn is described as an important point in the council calendar, when councillors consider priorities and agree which projects and initiatives will be taken forward.
What the Mayor of Stroud does
The Mayor is Stroud’s civic representative and acts as an ambassador for the town at local events and community celebrations. The role also includes chairing Full Council meetings and helping to ensure council business is conducted fairly and effectively.
As Deputy Mayor, Cllr Davey will support the Mayor and take on the role when required.
Speaking about the change, Cllr Davey said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Mayor of Stroud. I am pleased to hand over to Louisa, whose energy, commitment to the community and experience as Deputy Mayor will serve the town well.”
Cllr Stinton thanked her predecessor and said she was pleased he would continue supporting her as Deputy Mayor.
“I’d like to thank my predecessor, Cllr Tony Davey, who has done a wonderful job for the last few years. I’m delighted that he’ll be supporting me in his new role as Deputy Mayor. Stroud’s strong sense of community is what drew me here, and it is at the heart of how I want to serve as Mayor. I want people to feel that the Council is open, approachable and relevant to them. I am looking forward to meeting more residents, community groups and local organisations, listening to their ideas and making sure their voices are heard.”
Stinton’s links with Stroud community groups
Community involvement has been a significant part of Cllr Stinton’s life in Stroud. Although she is relatively new to the town, she became involved through volunteering and local projects.
She volunteered with Stroud’s Night Angels for two and a half years, supporting people in the town at night. She has also been a volunteer mentor with The Door and currently volunteers at Trinity Rooms Youth Group. Her local involvement has included supporting the Trinity Rooms Christmas Day lunch, while she is also helping a new Stroud theatre festival, “Play On”, in October.
Her interests as Mayor include youth engagement, the safety of women and girls, environmental protection, support for local businesses and organisations, and making it easier for residents to engage with the council.
From Herefordshire to Stroud Town Council
Cllr Stinton is originally from Herefordshire and moved to Stroud at the end of 2022. She joined Stroud Town Council in January 2023.
Her career has included theatre, business development in the education, arts and charity sectors, workshop facilitation, talent casting, and workplace communication and behavioural skills. She said Stroud’s strong community, landscape and cultural scene were among the reasons she was drawn to the town.
The next Full Council meeting is scheduled for 7.30pm on Monday 7 December 2026 in the Council Chamber at Locking Hill.
