The Mayor of Amber Valley is elected annually by fellow councillors and acts as the borough’s First Citizen. The Mayor chairs meetings of the Full Council and represents Amber Valley at a wide range of civic, ceremonial and community events. The Deputy Mayor supports the Mayor in these duties and attends functions on their behalf when needed.
While the role is largely ceremonial and focused on fostering community spirit, political leadership within the council is provided by the council leader.
Each year, the Mayor selects a local charity to support and raise funds for. The chosen charity for 2025/26 is Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre. More details about the Mayor can be found below.
If you’d like to invite the Mayor of Amber Valley to a local event, celebration or community activity, please email mayor@ambervalley.gov.uk.
The Mayor Making Ceremony took place at Full Council on 21 May 2025, where Councillor Steve Marshall-Clarke was formally appointed and welcomed as the new Mayor of Amber Valley.
Mayor Marshall-Clarke has spent his whole life in the borough, growing up in Ripley and now living in Alfreton, where he’s been for the past 20 years. Over the last year, he has served as Deputy Mayor – an experience he says gave him valuable insight into the role and a deeper appreciation for the incredible charity work and volunteering that takes place across our communities.
A passionate advocate for education and social support, the Mayor has served as a school governor at four different schools in Amber Valley and is a trustee for the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centre.
His chosen charity for the year is Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, which has been providing free seaside holidays in Skegness for disadvantaged children across Derbyshire since 1891. While the holiday programme is paused in 2025 for a strategic review, the charity is developing exciting plans for 2026 – including a core holiday offer, low-cost residentials, weekend hire for youth groups, and a matched funding scheme to help schools support disadvantaged pupils.
The Mayor’s aim is to help maximise the number of children in Amber Valley who can benefit from a break, ensuring as many as possible get the chance to enjoy at least one week away each year.
Looking ahead, the Mayor is keen to discover more of what’s happening across the borough, champion local initiatives, and meet as many people as possible throughout his year.
He’s particularly looking forward to attending the Crich Pilgrimage in July, and says it would be a dream to visit Alfreton Town Ground in his mayoral role – a place he’s proud to support regularly.
The Mayor will be supported this year by Mayoress Jen Gdula, who will accompany him to engagements and events across the borough. He will also be supported by our newly appointed Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tony Holmes.
Further details about the Mayor can be viewed on the borough councillor page.
Further details about the Deputy Mayor can be viewed on the borough councillor page.
Contact the team directly on 01773 841381 or email mayor@ambervalley.gov.uk
