Meet the Mayor
The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare Councillor Martin Williams. Councillor Owen James acts as deputy.
The office of Mayor is steeped in tradition and ceremony. The insignia of the mace, robes, and chains of office, connects the present day with history and acts as a symbol of continuity. The modern visionary Mayor has a central role in representing the Council and the people, as the Town’s First Citizen. The Mayor can come from any class, gender or ethnic background. This diversity reflects the more open and democratic society we now live in.
The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare Cllr Martin Williams.
The role is strictly non-political and representative of every section of the community. It is particularly focused on cultivating the positive image of the Town and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.
The many engagements are undertaken by the Mayor act as a link between the various groups and organisations in the town. The Mayor takes the Council’s message out into the community and works towards achieving the 5 pillars of the Town Council Strategy 2020-2030. Equally, the Mayor can share the views and concerns of the community with the Council. In line with the Town Motto, Weston-super-Mare Mayoralty is ‘Ever Forward’.
You can view the Mayor’s diary online and if you would like the Town Mayor to support, open or attend your event, please phone or email the Town Mayor’s Civic Officer rebecca.saunders@wsm-tc.gov.uk
Follow the Mayor’s Facebook page to keep up to date with his news and events.
The Role of the Civic Head Seminar – Thursday 4th June 2026, 10:00 – 15:00
What is the session about and what is the target audience?
This participatory course is for elected members who anticipate election to the office of Mayor or Chair of Council at Annual Meetings in May 2026. Attendance by civic office support staff has also proved useful and beneficial.
The interactive session will explore:
- Expectations from a range of perspectives, including yours as incoming Mayor/Chair, the public’s and the Council’s
- Measures of success for your term of office
- Skills and Qualities of a great civic head
Short introductory sessions on:
- Chairing Full Council
- Public Speaking
- Social Media
There will also be an opportunity for questions from delegates – those submitted in advance of the session and arising during the workshop.
Who are the facilitators?
Philip and Jackie O’Brien, of EXPERIENCE2INSPIRE LIMITED – a training consultancy, which specialises in local government work.
Phil has over 40 years of experience supporting civic heads.
A former Head of Democratic Services at Derby City Council, his first local government role was as Assistant Mayor’s Officer, and he served 32 consecutive Mayors of Derby.
Phil is a founder member and sits on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Civic Officers (NACO) and is author of ‘Surviving Scrutiny – a 21st Century Civic Office.’
He also helped develop the ADSO Diploma Civic Pathway.
Jackie has over 35 years of experience in designing and delivering training and coaching across many different sectors. She is a Learning & Development professional and an Associate of the Institute of Personnel Development.
For the last six years Jackie has concentrated on consultancy work with a specialism in Equality & Diversity and Leadership Development. She has a career background building positive initiatives to support the entry of women into under-represented roles.
Phil and Jackie are both Affiliate Consultants with Link Support Services (UK) Ltd, a specialist Member Development service led by David McGrath.
Course content is endorsed by NACO and EXPERIENCE2INSPIRE is a NACO training partner.
Mayor Cllr Martin Williams
Councillor Martin Williams has been living in Weston since 1994, with his entire family residing close by.
With a decade of experience in Coast Guard rescue services as a volunteer rescue officer, Cllr Williams has been involved in rescues from cliffs, the sea, and Weston’s infamous mud.
As a young entrepreneur, Martin started his current business, Weston Support Services LTD, at the age of 17. Today, his company employs over 150 staff members. Additionally, he is the co-owner of Fruit Pick Smoothies, a fresh fruit smoothie wagon.
Cllr Williams is deeply committed to community service. He serves as vice chair school governor at Worlebury, chairman of Worle Junior Football Club, operations director at Weston Carnival, and trustee of Weston Lions Club.
Martin became a councillor in 2016 and served as deputy Mayor from 2018 to 2019. He re-joined the council in 2023. Passionate about the seafront, he enjoys walking it every morning, appreciating the ever-changing views.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Owen James
Born in the West Country to a Welsh father and Canadian mother, Councillor Owen James was one of five children raised in Weston-super-Mare. A true local, he’s spent most of his life in and around the town and was married in Winscombe – a place close to his heart.
Cllr James has devoted his career to education, teaching in both primary and SEND schools before becoming a headteacher. For over more than twenty years, he led schools in Pill, Bridgwater, and Clevedon with dedication and care.
Outside of education, he’s a passionate supporter of the arts and recently directed Grease with WODS at Weston’s Playhouse. It was through amateur theatre that he met his wife, Lynda, and their shared love for performance lives on through their children and grandchildren, all educated locally.
Often spotted walking Leo, his friendly fox red Labrador, Cllr James is also known for braving the Somerset sea for a swim – “it’s fine once you’re in!” His love for Weston shines through everything he does, making him a fitting and enthusiastic Deputy Mayor.