One of Philip Corthorne’s first big events will be the Mayor’s Picnic in the Park which takes place at Cowley Recreation Ground, on Saturday 7 June and will, this year, celebrate the borough’s Diamond Jubilee
Philip Corthorne was officially elected as the new Mayor of Hillingdon, replacing outgoing Mayor, Cllr Colleen Sullivan, as the borough’s first citizen and ceremonial head for the forthcoming year. The role of the Mayor is an important one: They act as a symbol of authority, indicated by the ceremonial robes and chains of office, and also as a connection between the history of the borough and the present day, showing its continuity over the years. The position is also a symbol of an open society, with the Mayor hailing from any class, gender or ethnic background.
During his term as Mayor, Corthorne will undertake all civic ceremonial duties in the borough. This includes attendance at key events, including Remembrance Day services and greeting any members of the royal family visiting the borough. He will also chair meetings of the full council.
The new mayor will be assisted in his duties by the new Mayoresses, his wife Fiona and daughter Hannah, and Cllr Reeta Chamdal who was appointed to the position of Deputy Mayor.
Speaking of his appointment, Corthorne, said: “It’s a great honour to be the next Mayor of Hillingdon and I will do my best to continue to build relationships in the community, meet individuals and residents who are making such positive contributions to our wonderful borough. I look forward to being able to represent the borough, and our communities, while carrying out my official duties.
One of Corthorne’s first big events will be the Mayor’s Picnic in the Park which takes place at Cowley Recreation Ground, on Saturday 7 June and will, this year, celebrate the borough’s Diamond Jubilee.
Corthorne has been a Ruislip resident for most of the period since 1970 and was first elected as a councillor in 1993 representing West Ruislip and then Ruislip wards. For many years, he served in the council’s Cabinet and held responsibility for a wide range of services, including housing, social services and environment.
During his year of office, Corthorne is keen to support volunteers, particularly young volunteers, in Hillingdon. He said: “There is so much goodwill and public spiritedness in our borough, and I’d like to harness that to help benefit even more of our communities. I’m also keen to help businesses in the borough create even better connections and partnerships with one another, as I see this an opportunity to build on the excellent work already being done. I’m open to suggestions from local businesses and other organisations and keen to hear their ideas.”
Corthorne has chosen two charities to fundraise for during his mayoral year. Those are SEND Family Support, which provides support to those caring for people with special educational needs and disabilities, and the Hillingdon Stroke Support Group. Having suffered a stroke in 2017, Corthorne has personal experience of having to work to recover his speech, which is part of the work the group undertakes with stroke survivors.
In his leisure time, Corthorne’s interests include cricket, football and travel. He has four adult children, and a new baby granddaughter called Jemima.
Looking back at her year, outgoing Mayor, Colleen Sullivan, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed attending so many events and meeting our residents, who work tirelessly for the benefit of their communities, and make our diverse borough such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. It has been a remarkable year and one I will never forget. I have so many fond memories, and it’s been an honour to serve as Mayor.”
