Mayor
Cllr Leigh Redman
A life-long Bridgwater resident, Leigh Redman lives in the heart of Hamp on Sunnybank Road with his wife Tracey and their daughter Holly, who was brought up and educated in Hamp.
Leigh is a Town Councillor for the Hamp Ward and Somerset Councillor for Bridgwater North and Central.
Leigh has an engineering and Union background, serving as a retained firefighter for 20 years at Bridgwater fire station and representing the Fire Brigade union on national issues.
Leigh was previously Mayor of Bridgwater in 2015, 2020, and 2021.
Mace Bearer
Chris Hocking
Born in Bridgwater and educated at St Margaret’s School and Dr Morgan’s School before finishing education at Taunton School.Career began with Natwest Bank in Taunton followed by seven years with Bridgwater Building Society. Appointed as Advertising & PR Manager for Chelsea Building Society, based in Cheltenham, before returning to Bridgwater in 1984. For 12 years ran his own advertising and print company before joining Bridgwater College as Carnival Placement Co-ordinator, (a post he still holds). Establishing and organising courses for people involved in carnivals throughout Somerset, parts of Devon, Dorset & Wilts.
Involved with Bridgwater Carnival for 40 years, initially as a member of Marketeer’s Carnival Club and now a vice-president of Wills C C. Joined the Bridgwater Carnival committee in 1985 and held the post of Publicity Officer for 19 years before becoming President of the committee and serving the maximum three year term in this role. Now a Director and Trustee of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Ltd, Chris compered the annual Carnival Concerts for 18 years and now organises the entertainment in the town during the day of Bridgwater Carnival and is also responsible for leading new projects.
Chris became a professional Toastmaster in 2003 and now officiates at weddings and functions throughout the south-west, and beyond. Other interests include amateur theatre and rugby (as a spectator these days!).
Still living in Bridgwater, he is married to Linda and has two children, two step-children and six grandchildren.
Deputy Mayor
Cllr Tim Mander
Tim is passionate about promoting Bridgwater and improving the quality of life for local residents. He has a particular interest in the arts, active travel and sustainable transport, and is a strong advocate for walking and cycling as healthy and accessible ways to get around the town. As a member of the Bridgwater Bus Group, he actively campaigns for enhanced public transport services both within Bridgwater and across the wider region.
Committed to supporting the town’s growth and prosperity, Tim is also keen to promote Bridgwater as a visitor destination, celebrating its rich heritage, vibrant culture and unique character.