U-turn on Mayor’s Car

Published on: 1 Apr, 2021
Updated on: 2 Apr, 2021

In a remarkable handbrake turn, it has been decided to reinstate the Mayor’s official car.

Mayor of Guildford Richard Billington positioning the borough crest on his new car

A spokesperson said it was realised that many were unhappy with the withdrawal of a dedicated car for the Mayor of Guildford and the sense of occasion it can give.

“It is also appreciated that the car reflects the status of Guildford our County Town,” he said.

So determined were those making the decision it seems that they have moved to the very top of the market and selected an Aston Martin V12 DB11, top speed 190 mph at surprisingly economical average 28mpg.

Luxury hand-stitched leather, as befits the Mayor’s seat.

But the new car won’t cost taxpayers a penny. Councillors’ travel allowances are to be scrapped to offset the cost of the new vehicle and developers Webung & Bild, registered offshore, are providing sponsorship that will cover any shortfall.

Clearly delighted, the current mayor Richard Billington commented: “The performance of this vehicle will allow me to get from event to event in a blink of an eye, if the roads are clear of course. And if they are not, we have a clever loudspeaker device that plays a recording of the town-crier ringing his bell and shouting ‘Oh ye! Oh ye! Make way for his/her Worship the Mayor!’ That was my idea.”

A former mayor’s driver who did not want to be named said: “Cor what a beauty! I would willingly come out of retirement to put her through her paces.”

Responses to U-turn on Mayor’s Car

Jim Allen Reply

April 1, 2021 at 8:12 am

And the mayor’s consort sits where?

Hardly a car suitable to be driven by a chauffeur, which is the whole point.

Editor’s note: The car is a four-seater. It is the rear seats pictured in the second photo.
Jan Messinger Reply

April 1, 2021 at 8:23 am

Happy April fools day Guildfordians.
John Redpath Reply

April 1, 2021 at 8:36 am

Great one! Well done Guildford Dragon. Didn’t fool me though. 😃
Steve Grove Reply

April 1, 2021 at 9:15 am

Happy April Fools Day!
Simon Mason Reply

April 1, 2021 at 9:29 am

Very funny! Maybe you should have done one on the council making a u-turn on the strategic sites? That would have caused some laughs.
Harry Eve Reply

April 1, 2021 at 9:31 am

I believe the Mayor did consider cycling to events instead but was concerned that the chain might come off.
Colin Selvin Reply

April 1, 2021 at 9:50 am

Pity rivalry seems to have excluded a Surrey product. I hear McClaren make an impressive alternative 😉
Anthony Mallard Reply

April 1, 2021 at 10:18 am

Congratulations to those in the council who recognised the need to change the decision to scrap the Mayoral car.

The choice of vehicle is somewhat lacking in gravitas but perhaps I’m being a bit ‘picky’ preferring something more statesman-like.

In passing, the object that the Mayor is positioning is a representation of the Borough Arms – the crest is only a part, usually placed above a helm.
Geoff Davis Reply

April 1, 2021 at 10:40 am

Excellent, well done!

Richard will love the use of that Aston.
Paul Spooner Reply

April 1, 2021 at 11:46 am

Whilst I welcome the U-turn, it was my understanding that the Mayoral Consort will have a special seat in the boot> While this year’s Mayoral consort will fit easily, I am worried that the next Mayoral consort will be less comfortable.

Paul Spooner is the Conservative borough councillor for Ash South & Tongham.
- Vicky Robinson Reply
  
  April 1, 2021 at 1:35 pm
  
  Interesting date to reveal this
Geoff Davis Reply

April 1, 2021 at 12:11 pm

Ha ha…
Mike Murphy Reply

April 1, 2021 at 3:42 pm

I note that Cllr Spooner the man who says we now need to review his plan that “was poo” has just lost out on remaining a governor at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, only obtaining 35 votes.

It looks as if the people of Guildford, perhaps even the Tories, are realising that the immense damage Cllr Spooner has done to this borough will preclude him from ever being elected to any kind of office.
Michael Brown Reply

April 1, 2021 at 4:19 pm

How much did this flash Aston Martin cost? A google search shows “from £174,995 “. What impression does this give to the general public about how their council tax is being spent in these times of serious economic challenges?

Who are “Webung and Bild”, offshore and off google?
Catherine Young Reply

April 1, 2021 at 7:21 pm

I would almost think of standing for Mayor ‘ess’ myself if I could be driven around in that car, until I read the number plate.

Very good, nearly caught me out, but not quite.
Jim Allen Reply

April 1, 2021 at 9:33 pm

Someone actually knows the day and date of the month.

Wow, I don’t know what time is!
Ben Paton Reply

April 2, 2021 at 8:11 am

Art imitating life.

If people only knew how GBC really operates.
Adam Aaronson Reply

April 5, 2021 at 9:01 am

Ben Paton remarked: “If people only knew how GBC really operates”

You only need to look here to find out: The Troubled Trail of Bitter Words Over Burchatts Barn
Gina Redpath Reply

April 6, 2021 at 10:13 am

Really shocking that this misinformation led to the loss of a much-loved community centre, unique wedding venue, meeting place, excellent setting for any party and a proud iconic visitor attraction set in stunning parkland where it so often played a strategic role during events in Stoke Park.

To think, during all this time, we, the public, when trying to hire Burchatts Farm Barn were told it was temporarily unavailable, we never were given the chance to save it for community use. we did not realise we were about to lose it before it was too late and gone.

Thankfully our new council has taken a different approach to our heritage.

Gina Redpath is a R4GV candidate in the forthcoming SCC election.
- Wayne Smith Reply
  
  April 7, 2021 at 4:25 pm
  
  Come on, Dragon NEWS!
  
  Surely, Gina Redpath’s response is to the latest Burchatts Barn emails, not the April fools spoof about the Mayors car?