In this exclusive feature we sat down with Mayor Of Wirral Brian Kenny to learn more about him, his career and his role as Mayor this past year. Nearing the end of his term, it’s been a busy time for him in his role — having worked tirelessly to make Wirral a great place to live….
LA VIDA: So, Brian, as you come to the end of your tenure as Mayor Of Wirral, what have you been up to since May 25?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: I have been very busy since May last year! I have met so many fantastic organisations and people across the whole of Wirral, and learnt so much about the amazing work done, to the benefit of the community. I can honestly say that it is a great honour and privilege to be able to undertake the role of Wirral Mayor.
LA VIDA: What have been the highlights of the past year? Any particularly proud moments?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: The main highlights include visiting various schools, and speaking to young people about their ideas for improving the world, and making Wirral a better place. I have met numerous organisations and people who are passionate about improving our environment and communities.
I have been proud to unveil a blue plaque for Walter Citrine, in Seacombe. Walter was a previous General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress. I was particularly proud to present the Freedom of the Borough of Wirral to the family of Dixie Dean. Overall, I have been very proud to represent Wirral, as it’s first citizen, at numerous events.
LA VIDA: Please could you tell us a bit more about your charity work and the two chosen charities this year?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: My two charities are Holistic Cancer Centre, which offers a wide range of nurse led complimentary therapies to support cancer patients. This service is free of charge. Their aim is to reduce anxiety, stress and provide emotional and psychological support for their patients and families.
Also Mersey Mind Project — a community driven initiative committed to empowering men throughout Wirral to take charge of their physical and mental wellbeing. I have tried hard to raise as much money as possible for these two excellent charities, with the full support of the Mayor’s Charity Committee, to whom I am very grateful.
LA VIDA: Local charities are very close to your heart aren’t they?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: Yes they are! I particularly wanted to choose two local charities to assist as many people in Wirral as possible. I also intend to provide financial support to other deserving local charities, at the end of my Mayoral year.
LA VIDA: And also I understand you’ve been out engaging with young people in schools? What are your key messages to the young people of today?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: I have had the pleasure of being invited to a number of primary and secondary schools, it has been an absolute pleasure to meet and engage with so many young people. My main message to them has been to attend school every day, on time, work hard and to be kind to each other.
LA VIDA: Has the role of Mayor given you a different insight into Wirral and its people?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: Yes, it certainly has. I have learnt so much about the often unseen work done to improve the lives of people in Wirral. I am particularly impressed at the amazing work done by countless volunteers who turn out regularly to improve lives for other Wirral people. The volunteers are incredible, and Wirral is so fortunate to have so many.
LA VIDA: How did you come to be Mayor in the first place?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: I was appointed as Mayor by the other 65 Wirral councillors, after being nominated by the leader of the council. I believe that the criteria was based on length of service as a Local Councillor, positions held and record as a Ward councillor.
LA VIDA: Looking back on your career as a whole, as a Councillor and Trade Union Officer, what are your proudest moments and achievements?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: As a Trade Union Officer since 1970 I have worked hard to improve the pay and working conditions of working people. I am proud to have received two separate awards for my TU activism. As a Councillor I am proud to have assisted many residents on numerous issues including housing, environmental, education and general wellbeing issues. I have submitted many motions to the Council, designed to improve the lives of Wirral residents.
LA VIDA: What are your plans for the rest of your tenure?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: Wirral is a fantastic place to live, work and visit and I am determined to engage with as many organisations and people who share this belief, with a view to making Wirral an even better place.
LA VIDA: The Wirral Awards are special aren’t they — please tell us a bit more about them.
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: The Wirral Award is a prestigious civic honour that recognises outstanding achievements over the past year, or for exceptional service to the borough spanning two decades or more. Whether it’s a tireless volunteer, a community champion, or a group making a real difference – nominations can be submitted to the Council. While individual nominations are preferred, groups and organisations will also be considered Across Wirral, volunteers and community groups are the heartbeat of our borough.
Their passion and commitment touch so many lives and life here simply wouldn’t be the same without them. All nominations are reviewed by a small panel including the Mayor and fellow Councillors, with final approval by the Council’s Regulatory and General Purposes Committee.
LA VIDA: And finally, what are your plans following this role?
MAYOR OF WIRRAL: When I cease to be Wirral Mayor from May this year, I am looking forward to continuing my role as a Local Councillor, which I began in 2006, and assisting as many residents as possible.
