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The new mayor of Newport is “fierce” and “forthright” – qualities the city council leader believes mirror the city’s character.

Cllr Kate Thomas took up the role as Newport’s 393rd mayor at a ceremony on Tuesday May 13, and amended the words of her official oath, declaring she would serve “the people of Newport” as well as King Charles III.

After moving to the city in 2000, Cllr Thomas was elected to represent the Stow Hill ward in 2012 – which was also the last time Newport had a female mayor.

“Newport has fantastic people, an incredible history and with features like the river, the Victorian parks and the wetlands, it is an amazing place to live, work and get out and about in,” said Cllr Thomas. 

“We have so much to be proud of – Newport is growing and its people are great.”

Cllr Thomas’ mayoral charities for the coming year are Book Trust Cymru and Little People UK.

Announcing the nomination, council leader Cllr Dimitri Batrouni said Cllr Thomas is “fierce, forthright and will hold her ground – that sounds like Newport to me”.

Opposition group leader Cllr Matthew Evans congratulated Cllr Thomas on having the “great honour to serve the people of Newport”.

He said Cllr Thomas had “always made an active contribution to debates”, and her “passion is there for all to see”.

Outgoing mayor Cllr Ray Mogford reflected on the “incredible honour” of representing Newport that he and wife Sallie felt during the past year, and meeting “so many people doing fantastic work” across the city.

Some £17,000 has been raised for Cllr Mogford’s mayoral charities, Sparkle and the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA).

Cllr Stephen Marshall was chosen as the deputy mayor, succeeding Cllr Chris Reeks.