First time in office for new Mayor of North East Lincolnshire

Cllr Goodwin has been elected following a Mayor Making Ceremony at Grimsby Town Hall.

The ceremony takes place each year in May, and sees all 42 Councillors elect a Mayor to chair Council meetings for the forthcoming Municipal year.

The role of Mayor in North East Lincolnshire is also a ceremonial one, which will see her visit all corners of the borough, meeting representatives of charities, community organisations and businesses, as well as representing the Council at official functions.

This will be the first time that Cllr Janet Goodwin has held the office of The Worshipful The Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire. Cllr Marian Boyd has been elected Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Goodwin has lived in Grimsby all her life, growing up in Scartho with her two brothers and sister. Her father worked as a fisherman, while her mother balanced a part-time job at Birds Eye. She is married to Barry and has two daughters, Lindsey and Victoria, along with four grandchildren.

Her career has spanned various roles, beginning with packing fish at Chaldur’s Frozen Food Company, followed by working as a barmaid while raising her children. Later, she joined Greggs, before moving on to work with the BFAWU union, where she focused on engaging workers in learning opportunities. After 15 years in this role, she returned to Greggs until retirement, now focusing more on community work within South Ward.

Cllr Goodwin enjoys socialising, travelling and spending time with her grandchildren. She is committed to supporting communities across North East Lincolnshire, ensuring that those who may struggle to access help know that support is available

She was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 55, an experience that she says has given her greater confidence in the journey she has taken.

The Mayor Making Ceremony was attended by dignitaries, Councillors, and members of the local community, as well as friends and family members of the new Mayor. Those in attendance witnessed the election along with the exchange of the official chains of office.

Following her election, Cllr Goodwin gave her thanks to fellow Councillors. “I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for their nomination. I’m incredibly grateful to them, and this is a really proud moment for me,” she said. “I am looking forward to the year ahead.”

Councillor Goodwin will undertake a range of activities during her Mayoral Year to raise funds for her chosen charities.