Mayor makes historic choice of consort
12:52pm Tuesday 20th February 2007 in Your Town By Rob Devey
BOLTON'S next mayor will make history by becoming the first to be joined by a male consort.
Cllr Barbara Ronson, who will become the town's first Liberal Democrat mayor on May 16, has chosen her husband Bob, who is also a Horwich councillor, to be her consort.
Cllr Ronson, who will have to give up her position as Liberal Democrat leader when she becomes mayor, said: "There were friends I'd thought of asking, but Bob and I have been councillors together and already attend a lot of things together, so I thought it would be nice for him to do this."
In the past, when women have taken up the mayoral chain of office they have chosen to appoint a female relative or friend as mayoress in what is traditionally a non-political role.
In 2004, Bolton's last female mayor, Prentice Howarth, was served jointly by her daughters Lesley and Elaine.
But Cllr Ronson said Labour council leader Cliff Morris and Conservative group leader Alan Rushton had given their blessing for her husband to become consort.
And he when he takes up the post he will wear a badge of office last thought to have been used in 1902.
It comprises a red ribbon with a gold badge featuring the Bolton elephant.
It is believed to have been used by mayors for less formal occasions from 1878 to 1902 before the current town coat of arms was established.
Cllr Ronson, who will retain his right to vote at full council meetings, said: "I'm chuffed. This will be a fairly unique position to be in and we'll be breaking new ground."
