The Mayor is Hounslow's first citizen and by law has precedence everywhere in the borough (unless there is a member of the Royal Family or Lord Lieutenant of Greater London also present).
These guidelines set out the protocol that must be observed at events the Mayor attends in an official capacity. The Mayor is unable to accept an invitation where the organisation feels, for whatever reason, unable to accept this protocol.
If the Mayor attends a function in a private capacity, they would be without regalia of office and would be treated like any other person.
How to address the Mayor
In printed literature the Mayor should be referred to as "The Worshipful The Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow, Councillor Amy Croft".
In person the Mayor should be addressed as "Madam Mayor".
How to address the Deputy Mayor
The Deputy Mayor should be accorded the same protocol as for the Mayor.
In printed literature the Deputy Mayor should be referred to as "The Worshipful The Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow, Councillor Junue Meah".
In person the Deputy Mayor should be addressed as "Mr Deputy Mayor".
When the Mayor arrives and leaves
The organiser must ensure that a named person meets the Mayor on arrival and makes introductions to the host or notable guests.
The organiser should also ensure that the Mayor is escorted from the venue to the Mayoral car at the time of departure.
Where possible, a parking space should be reserved for the Mayor’s car as near to the venue entrance as possible.
Charity functions
The Mayor is willing whenever possible to open bazaars, sales of work and other events in aid of charity. The Mayor should not, however, be asked to open on the second day (if any) unless the first day of the event is to be opened by a member of the Royal Family or the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.
Table seating
The Mayor should be placed to the immediate right of the chairman or person presiding, unless the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London is present. In this case the Mayor should be on the immediate left of the chairman.
Toasts and speeches
You need to give prior notice if you wish the Mayor to propose or respond to a toast or to make a speech. You have the opportunity to provide this information when you invite the Mayor to your event.
A toast of the borough should follow The King but, should it be omitted, it is usual for the Mayor to propose or respond to the toast immediately after the royal toast.
The press
The local press are notified of the Mayor’s appointments during the preceding week. This does not guarantee their attendance at events.
Church services
The Mayor should be met at the entrance to the church and usually be conducted to the front right hand pew.
At funeral services it is normal for family mourners to occupy the front right hand pew and for the Mayoral party to take the left.
It is courteous for the congregation to rise at the Mayor’s entry and departure.
Visit to schools or meetings
Where appropriate the assembly should rise upon the Mayor’s entrance and again on their departure.
See also: Inviting the Mayor to an event
