Northgate councillor Sonia Kane was promoted at a ceremony last week and will represent the borough throughout the community for the next year.
The new Mayor of Darlington has spoken of her pride and love for the town after being elected into the role.
Northgate councillor Sonia Kane was promoted at a ceremony last week and will represent the borough throughout the community for the next year.
The Labour member said: “It’s an extreme honour and a privilege to become Mayor. I thank everyone who made it possible.”
Cllr Kane vowed to transfer her passion for Darlington into the busy year ahead as a key figure at the forefront of historic celebrations and events.
She added: “I’m extremely proud of Darlington. I lived somewhere else for a short while, but Darlington has always been a place I love. I have always said there is no nicer place in the North East than Darlington, I love it to bits.
“I’m very fortunate to be supported by so many people in the town.”
This year’s 200th anniversary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway will be significant for the region, as visitors from around the world learn about the area’s unique heritage. But it is the community work that Cllr Kane is also looking forward to.
She added: “I hope people will learn that we can treat each other with kindness and compassion, especially those who come from outside Darlington and the country. I want people to be happy, settled, and be treated nicely, and I hope to encourage that.”
Local charities Family Help Darlington and Darlington Community Theatre have been selected as the Mayor’s two chosen charities for the year ahead.
The borough’s former mayor Cllr Bob Donoghue thanked members for his time in office as Mayor between May 2024 and 2025.
“It has been our pleasure to represent Darlington over the last two years,” he said.
“Thank you to every single person who has welcomed us and supported us throughout the year. We have visited so many schools, colleges, care homes and performances which have been wonderful.
“Working with our two charities Recovery Connections and Rape and sexual abuse counselling centre has been very rewarding, learning about the wonderful work that they do for our community. Long may it continue and hopefully the funds that we have raised will go towards future projects.
“We have had a wonderful year and met some amazing people.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to be Darlingtons 146th Mayor and we both wish Cllr Sonia Kane all the best for her year.”
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO OUR CROWDFUNDER
HELP US BECOME STRONGER SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DELIVER POWERFUL CITIZEN JOURNALISM!
