New Penarth Mayor Melissa Rabaiotti, a "foot soldier"

Penarth Town Councillor Laura Rochefort entered the town’s annual meeting in the famous mayoral robes of the town and gave her heartfelt speech about her time in officer before passing the role on to “foot soldier” Councillor Melissa Rabaiotti.

It was Councillor Mark Wilson who made the observation praising Cllr Rabaiotti’s work ethic as he nominated her for the position.

Impressively Cllr Rabaiotti, who represents the Plymouth Ward, has barely been a councillor for little over a year, but now she’s already in the top role.

In her speech, she thanked the council for their support during her steep learning curb as a councillor.

I want to thank councillors who have helped me get through my first year and our great council staff who we would be lost without,” said Cllr Rabaiotti.

“It is such a privilege in honour to be elected mayor of Penarth and I will do my best to serve our community.

“To me community is everything and I hope I can make a difference in office.”

Cllr Wilson said Cllr Rabaiotti had extensive experience of the town as an attribute in the role.

“She is what I call a foot soldier,” said Cllr Wilson.

“She is very much the heart of this town. She dedicates herself to public service and I can honestly say she is a true Penarthian who has been in Penarth a long time and I know she is dedicated to the people of the town. It is a great honour to nominate her.”

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, who seconded Cllr Wilson’s nomination, said she had every confidence in Cllr Rabaiotti.

“I know her skills will carry her through and I have no doubt she will do a fantastic job,” said Cllr Birch.

Cllr Rabaiotti’s mayoral charities this year will be Penarth lifeboats and Action for Children.

Cllr Melissa Rabaiotti with Cllr Gwenda Roberts (centre) and former mayor Cllr Rochefort (Image: Newsquest)

‘It has been an honour. Penarth is a truly beautiful place’

Cllr Laura Rochefort, who held the role of mayor from 2022/23 not only met with all the ceremonial obligations of mayor’s office, but also raised £1,013.14 for her mayoral charity Marie Curie Hospice.

Former mayor Cllr Rochefort gave an emotional farewell (Image: Newsquest)

In her outgoing speech Cllr Rochefort said it had been a pleasure to serve.

“It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to represent the people of Penarth as mayor,” said Cllr Rochefort. “It has been amazing to see all of the hard work by people in the community.

“I saw the jubilee celebrations as well as the sad loss of our Queen.

“I have attended birthday celebrations, charity events, fireworks displays, and switching on of the Christmas lights.

“Penarth is a truly beautiful place. It has been a great honour and I will leave with happy memories.”