Worthing Mayor gets new animal-friendly robes

The Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Ibsha Choudhury, debuted the outfit at the town’s Remembrance services earlier this week.

Former Mayor of Worthing Lionel Harman organised a fundraising bid to cover the costs of the robes following concerns the mayoral robes were not accessible to those of different faiths and backgrounds.

The originals, lined with Russian sable fur and worn with white gloves, lace cuffs and a lace jabot, date back to 1890.

More than £2,300 was raised by the community which was used to order the new robes.

They were formally presented to the mayor, who is a muslim, in his parlour at Worthing Town Hall by Mr Harman and were worn on Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day.

The Mayor of Worthing being presented with his new robes by Lionel Harman (Image: Worthing Borough Council) Councillor Sophie Cox, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “It's great that the council now has a mayoral robe that can be worn by people of any background for many years to come.

“With the mayor's original robe and chain being funded by residents, it's lovely that the new animal-friendly robe has been funded in the same way.

“I'd like to thank Mr Harman and everyone that contributed to the appeal for their generous donations.”

READ MORE: Sussex remembers the fallen in Remembrance Day services

In July 2023, Worthing Borough Council scrapped the mayor’s obligation to wear robes following concerns that they may deter people from engaging with local democracy due to their formality. Some also voiced their opposition to the fur lining.

At a council meeting on May 21, following a motion proposed by Councillor Kevin Jenkins, the ceremonial wearing of the mayoral robes at public engagements was reinstated under the condition that alternative robes without real fur were sourced.

Cllr Jenkins said: “One of the biggest groups who were dismayed by this decision were our veterans, men and women of all ages and backgrounds who very strongly and passionately felt that discarding the use of the mayoral robes at the annual Remembrance parade ceremony was an insult to those who had served, been lost, had returned from service and those who still suffer from their injuries today.”