Published: Friday, 17th May 2024
Cllr Paul Bland has been elected as Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and as Chairman of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk for the coming year at the Mayor Making ceremony.
At the ceremony, which took place on Thursday 16 May 2024, Cllr Andy Bullen was elected as the deputy Mayor.
Councillor Paul Bland, Mayor of King's Lynn & West Norfolk
Cllr Paul Bland, elected as Mayor, is a true Linnet having been born in King's Lynn and lived in west Norfolk his whole life. He has lived in South Wootton for over 50 years and has been a Parish Councillor there.
After a long career with the Eastern Electricity Board, Paul has worked extensively in the voluntary and charitable sector supporting organisations such as the Sea Cadets, as a director of Festival Too, a trustee of Trues Yard, West Norfolk Academy Trust, Linnets in the Community, and as a verifier for the Duke of Edinburgh's award.
Paul was appointed as a Magistrate in which he served the Community for 32 years and was the Chairman of the West Norfolk Bench and Vice President of the West Norfolk Magistrates Association.
Cllr Bland is an Independent Councillor for The Woottons Ward and was elected to the council in May 2023, serving on the Environment & Community Panel, the King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Area Museums Committee and as Deputy Mayor in his first year.
He will be supported in his year in office by his wife Marion as Mayoress.
Councillor Andy Bullen, Deputy Mayor of King's Lynn & West Norfolk
Cllr Andy Bullen, elected as deputy Mayor, was born in Kings Lynn and has lived around the borough including Heacham, Great Massingham, Castle Acre and Downham Market.
Cllr Bullen has long involvement with local wildlife organisations and spent time travelling and working abroad in publishing. Andy now runs a specialist maritime and port publishing business.
Andy is Chair of Kings Lynn Conservancy Board and is active in promoting and supporting wildlife in the borough. He is also pleased to be a Trustee of The Swan Youth Project in Downham Market reflecting his interest in supporting young people and families.
Since being elected to the council in May 2019 as an Independent Councillor for North Downham Ward in Downham Market, he has served on the Environment & Community Panel and the Bio-Diversity Task Group.
In his spare time Cllr Bullen enjoys his motorbike, cooking, cycling and music. Andy will be supported as Deputy Mayor by his sister Jane Jestice.