Shrewsbury has welcomed a new civic leader as Councillor Bernie Bentick was sworn in as the Mayor of Shrewsbury at the Town Council’s annual meeting on Monday evening.
The mayor-making ceremony, held at The Walker Theatre in Theatre Severn marked the formal handover from outgoing Mayor Councillor Alex Wagner, with Councillor Kevin Pardy also appointed as Deputy Mayor for the coming year. In his first address as Mayor, Councillor Bentick outlined a clear vision for his year in office focusing on how he will support community wellbeing, strengthen partnerships across the town and champion Shrewsbury’s charitable sector.
Originally from Liverpool, Councillor Bentick moved to Shrewsbury in 1991 and has since become a passionate advocate for local healthcare, active communities and neighbourhood improvement projects. He worked at both Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal Hospitals over almost 30 years as a Consultant in Obstestrics and Gynaecology. During his medical career, he led the establishment of the Shropshire and Mid-Wales Fertility Centre, which treated more than 12,000 couples and helped deliver over 8,000 babies into the world, by the time of his retirement in 2020. Following this, he took up local politics and became the local ward member for Meole in the 2021 local elections. During the Covid-19 pandemic he helped vulnerable residents with shopping and medication deliveries, supporting community groups and campaigning on local health, traffic, public transport and environmental issues.
In his first address as Mayor, Councillor Bentick said:
“It is a tremendous honour to serve as Mayor of Shrewsbury. During my mayoral year I want to celebrate the beauty, vitality, culture and economy of our wonderful town while helping to build partnerships that benefit all sections of our community.
“I am particularly passionate about supporting health, wellbeing and opportunities — especially for young people, vulnerable families and those facing mental or physical health challenges.”
The Mayor has selected four charities to support during his year in office:
Councillor Bentick said his charity choices reflect both his professional background in healthcare and his personal experiences supporting family members affected by mental illness and cancer.
“Charities play an essential role in filling gaps, supporting families and improving lives across Shropshire. I want to help raise both awareness and funding for organisations making a genuine difference in our communities,” he said.
Throughout the year, the Mayor plans to support a range of fundraising initiatives and community events, including an Asian cuisine evening, a formal dinner and a community activities, exercise and sports day. He is also keen to promote stronger collaboration between local charities and community organisations.
A keen cyclist and advocate for active lifestyles, Councillor Bentick will also help lead a fundraising cycle event on Sunday 19 July 2026 in support of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin following a successful event last year which raised more than £2,000.
As Mayor, Councillor Bentick will support the local economy and businesses as much as possible and is keen to participate in events and partnerships to help Shrewsbury town and its surrounding business community to thrive.
Alongside his civic duties, Councillor Bentick has been a strong advocate for local community initiatives in Meole Ward, including campaigns for improved GP services, safer walking and cycling routes, environmental improvements and facilities for young people. He currently serves as Portfolio Holder for Health and Public Protection at Shropshire Council and previously served as Deputy Mayor of Shrewsbury.
Paying tribute to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Bentick said:
“Alex Wagner served Shrewsbury with energy, visibility and enthusiasm over the past year, and I would like to thank him for his commitment to the town and its communities.”
Residents, schools, businesses and organisations interested in inviting the Mayor to events during the coming year are encouraged to contact the Mayor’s Office by visiting:
www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk/mayoral-attendance-enquiry/
or via phone on 01743 281010.
Councillor Bernie Bentick will attend a Commemoration of Mayoralty service at St Chad’s Church on Sunday, May 17, with a ceremonial parade from the Town Council’s offices on St John’s Hill. The public are warmly invited to attend — seating is from 9:50am for a 10:00am start.
