Councillor Harry Atkinson, Mayor of Erewash 2025/26
About the Mayor
His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Harry Atkinson, is delighted to have been elected as the First Citizen for the civic year 2025/26 and looks forward to visiting all parts of the Borough and meeting residents, members of groups and businesses.
Harry is a proud resident of Erewash and has lived in and round Sawley and Long Eaton all his life. After leaving The Long Eaton School in 2017, he began his career as an apprentice at Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, Britain’s last coal-fired power station, where he gained hands-on technical experience and a strong work ethic, eventually becoming an engineer.
In his role as a Scout Leader, Harry has made a significant impact on his community. He successfully raised £27,000 for a Scout group which was used to install solar panels and battery storage thus helping them move toward net zero and reduce their running costs. This remarkable achievement contributed to Harry earning the Scouts of the World Award.
Harry’s commitment to scouting is further highlighted by the fact that he was the first person in Erewash to achieve the Modern King’s Scout Award—the highest youth award within The Scout Association.
Harry was drawn to politics through a desire to create meaningful change in the local community. Already active in scouting and sustainability efforts, he saw the political arena as a way to amplify his impact and advocate for issues he cares about. He has been a councillor for Sawley since May 2023.
Outside of his volunteer work, he supports local businesses and can often be found in one of the many local hostelries in the Borough
Mayor’s Chaplain
The Mayor is delighted that Father Max Marsh, of St Laurence’s Church in Long Eaton, has agreed to act as his Chaplain during the forthcoming civic year.
The Mayor’s Charities
During his year in office, the Mayor will be supporting 1st Sawley Scouts in their mission to build a new scout hut, and the youth academy of the local community radio station Erewash Sound.
Deputy Mayor
The Deputy Mayor for the 2025/26 civic year is Councillor Greg Maskalick, who represents Ockbrook and Borrowash on the Borough Council.
When the Mayor attends an event or function
The Mayor, as First Citizen, should be accorded due precedence and respect within the Borough.
A responsible person should meet the Mayor on arrival at the entrance - address her as Mr Mayor - and should introduce her to the host or the assembled company.
If the Mayor is to speak, his toast or reply should appear early on the toast list and any background information should be sent to the Civic Office in advance.
Unless the Mayor occupies the chair he should be seated on the immediate right of the person chairing (assuming Royalty, the Lord Lieutenant or High Sheriff are not present).
The formal announcement of the Mayor is “The Worshipful the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Harry Atkinson”.
The Mayor will normally be accompanied by his Consort and sometimes a Chauffeur. The Chauffeur should be advised of changes to programme, parking and the anticipated time that the event will end.
Invite the Mayor to your event or function
As Mayor, Councillor Atkinson is looking forward to visiting all parts of the borough and meeting, listening and talking to its residents. He is keen to invite groups and schools into the Town Halls to hear about local democracy, civic life and the importance of using your vote.
To invite the Mayor to your event, or to request a visit to either of the Town Halls, you should download and complete the request form below or send a written invitation via the Mayor’s Office.
Invitations are considered on a strictly first come, first served basis and you may wish to telephone the Mayor’s Office to check availability before writing. The address is: Mayor’s Office, Erewash Borough Council, Town Hall, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5RP (email civic@erewash.gov.uk or call 0115 9071115).
The office will help you if you need any guidance on protocol, for instance how to introduce the Mayor, how to draw up a seating plan or for advice on the involvement of the local press.