Councillors paid tribute to the outgoing Mayor of Walsall at a public meeting this week. Louise Harrison, a Conservative councillor in the Bloxwich West ward until the recent election, said serving as Mayor had been the ‘greatest honour of her life’.
Ms Harrison served for the municipal year 2025/26 and has been succeeded by Councillor Alan Fleming, a Reform UK councillor for the Streetly ward.
Addressing members on Monday night, Ms Harrison said: “This year has reminded me of one important thing. The strength of Walsall is not found in its buildings or titles, it’s found in its people.
“When the people of Walsall come together, support one another and care for their communities, we really can build a better future. Wherever life takes me next I’ll always be proud to call Walsall my home.”
Ms Harrison remembered the ‘most memorable’ moments of her year when Walsall marked the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. She said during that time she attended 22 afternoon teas and over Christmas she attended eight three-course dinners. Over the whole year, Ms Harrison attended over 450 engagements as Mayor of Walsall.
She said: “I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many extraordinary people, volunteers, community leaders, teachers, charity workers, young people and residents, who all give up their time and compassion to make Walsall a better place.”
Also mentioned was Ms Harrison’s appearance in the rap TikTok ‘Just a Kid from Walsall’ where she believed she was the ‘first ever’ mayor of the town to feature on such a video.
Leader of the Conservative group, Councillor Adrian Andrew, said the next Mayor has ‘big shoes to fill’. He said: “Councillor Louise Harrison, as she was, has been undoubtedly an incredible deputy mayor and mayor of this borough. It’s a big job, and the kind that Louise was born to do.”
Councillor Rose Martin, Pelsall ward, said: “I would like to thank Councillor Harrison for her amazing public service. I’ve known her for a long time, over 20 years. She has served Walsall people for a very long time and has been an outstanding mayor and councillor. Thank you for all your service to the people of Walsall.”
Councillor Aftab Nawaz, leader of Walsall Community Independents at Walsall Council, said: “I would like to pay my respect to Louise who’s been an excellent mayor. We obviously disagreed with our politics yet there was always a place for a smile, sometimes a hug and a good word to us. In her year as mayor she brought people together from all backgrounds and she made Walsall proud.”
Councillor Simran Cheema, Willenhall ward, added: “I want to put on record my thanks to Louise Harrison for her commitment and service to the role. I’m in absolute awe of the number of engagements Louise achieved during her mayoral term. The countless residents and organisations that you have met and supported reflects on your dedication to the role. Thank you for all you have done and for being a great friend to me personally.”
Councillor Alan Fleming, the new Mayor of Walsall, added: “I would also like to thank Louise Harrison for her dedication and service during her term of office.”
