Cllr Gemma Rolstone has become Exeter’s new Lord Mayor, with Cllr Lucy Haigh appointed Deputy Lord Mayor. During her year in office, Cllr Rolstone will raise funds for Baby Bank Network Exeter, supporting families facing financial and emotional hardship
Cllr Gemma Rolstone has become the new Lord Mayor of Exeter, with Cllr Lucy Haigh as Deputy Lord Mayor.
During her year in office Cllr Rolstone will raise funds for Baby Bank Network Exeter, which supports families in need at times of financial and emotional stress.
As an early years teacher, with more than 25 years’ experience, the charity is close to Gemma’s heart.
She said: “As Lord Mayor of Exeter, I’m proud to support Baby Bank Exeter, whose dedicated volunteers give their time and care to ensure local families have access to essentials such as nappies and clothing as well as practical help, to make a real difference to families and babies in need across our city.”
Cllr Rolstone, who was Deputy Lord Mayor last year, is an avid volunteer and was a Games Maker at the London 2012 Olympics and helped out at last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in Exeter.
She is a dedicated Exeter Chiefs fan and enjoys walks with her dogs.
Her first taste of politics came at St Luke’s High School, where she served on the Devon Youth Council. She was first elected on to the City Council in 2024 and represents the Topsham ward.
At the Annual Council meeting at the Guildhall, tributes were paid to outgoing Lord Mayor Cllr Anne Jobson.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “You have joined a long and distinguished list of past Lord Mayors who have served this city so well. Thank you for everything you have done for our city over the past year.”
Supporting Gemma this year will be Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Lucy Haigh, who was elected as a City Councillor in 2024, representing Heavitree.
Before becoming a councillor she worked as a ESOL teacher, supporting adults whose first language is not English.
She is involved in the community, supporting local groups such as Heavitree Food Bank and St Michael’s Church.
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