The Town Council elects a Chairman in May every year at the Annual General Meeting. The Chairman can be a man or a woman, but the title of 'Chairman' remains the same (it's a peculiarity of UK law!). The Chairman of the Town Council is able to take the title of Town Mayor, and may serve as Town Mayor for as long as they are the Chairman of the Council.
The Town Mayor acts as the figurehead of the Council and represents the town at public events throughout the area. In addition to representing the town, the Mayor also raises money for local charities during their year of office.
Elected Mayor of Peterlee - Councillor Rob Moore
Hi, I’m Rob Moore, your Mayor and Town Councillor for Howletch Ward. I’ve been proud to call Peterlee home since 1994.
I grew up and went to school in Lancashire and Merseyside before joining the Army in 1984. I served nearly a decade with the Royal Corps of Signals and was deployed to the Gulf in 1990 with the 1st Armoured Division. Serving my country is something I’m incredibly proud of—following in the footsteps of my father, who served from WWII through to the 1960s, and alongside my two brothers who also wore the uniform.
In 2016, I founded the East Durham Veterans Breakfast Club, which has grown to nearly 300 members. I’ve also proudly served as Secretary/Treasurer for the local Royal Signals Association and Chair of the local Royal British Legion. More recently, I’ve had the honour of acting as Parade Marshal for Peterlee’s annual Remembrance Day parade.
Before joining the council, I spent around 16 years working in the HGV and taxi industries, before moving into a role with EDS, which later became Hewlett Packard.
Outside of work, I enjoy watching documentaries, diving into online research, building computers, and spending time with my loyal cockapoo, Ruby.
I first got involved in local politics about nine years ago because I wanted to give something back to the town that’s given me so much. Standing for council felt like the right way to do that—and here I am, proud to serve our community.
Contact Details
Email: robamoore1@googlemail.com
Phone: (0191) 7160785
Elected Deputy Mayor of Peterlee - Councillor Audrey Laing
Hello, I’m Audrey Laing. I’ve had the privilege of serving on District, Town, and Unitary Councils for nearly 30 years, and many of you will already know me from my work in the community.
I'm passionate about staying connected with the people I represent, and I’m proud of the strong track record we’ve built together.
As your Town Councillor for Dene House Ward, I’m committed to continuing that same high standard of service and dedication you’ve come to expect from me.
Contact Details
Email: audrey.laing1947@icloud.com
Phone: 0191 7160775
At the Annual General Meeting in May each year the Council also elects a Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman of the Council is able to take the title of Deputy Mayor. The Deputy Mayor supports the Mayor in his or her role and may represent the Town Council at events if the Mayor is unavailable.