The Mayoralty

The Mayor - Councillor Colin Rayner
The Mayoress - Mrs Samantha Rayner

The Mayor is the first citizen of the Borough and is elected to the post by fellow Councillors at the Borough Council's annual meeting in May each year. The role of Mayor is a non political position and during the mayoral year, a Mayor puts aside council duties to concentrate on the role as the town's first citizen.

In addition to chairing the Council meeting, the Mayor attends many different types of functions throughout the Borough. These include representing the Council at civic functions, receiving dignitaries, attending Dinners, opening events, talking to clubs and societies and visiting schools. The Mayor also hosts visits to the Mayor's Parlour from various groups/organisations. The Mayor also asks the Deputy Mayor to stand in if the Mayor is not available.

The Mayor's correct title is The Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. After formal introductions, speakers should refer to the Mayor as Mr (Madam) Mayor.

Biographical Details

Councillor Colin Rayner was elected to serve the residents of Horton and Wraysbury Ward at a by-election in June 2005. He has since served 4 years in the Cabinet as Lead Member for Highways and last year as Deputy Mayor. Colin has also served as a Councillor on Horton Parish Council since 2003.

After leaving Agricultural College in 1979 Colin joined the family farm, which has been farming in the Windsor area since the 16th Century and in Maidenhead since 1958. The family farm 2500 acres in and around the Royal Borough. Colin has worked hard in the family business and became involved in many national and local farming organisations. He enjoys walking with his family and West Highland Terrier in the beautiful Berkshire countryside.

As Deputy Mayor, Colin has visited many organisations, schools and charities and has been deeply moved and encouraged by the great enthusiasm, commitment and dedication that they have shown in making the Royal Borough a great place to live, work, learn and play. He is looking forward to supporting those residents, local organisations and businesses that add so much to the social fabric of the Royal Borough.

Colin has been married to Samantha for 22 years and they have 3 daughters of school age. Samantha is a qualified Accountant who now works with Colin on the family farm - she is responsible for introducing Highland Cattle to their farm. Samantha is also a Parish Councillor and is involved with local charity fundraising initiatives.

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