Councillor Amanda Grimshaw BEM and Councillor Ty Galvin appointed as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove councillors are expected to appoint Councillor Amanda Grimshaw BEM as the city’s new mayor and Councillor Ty Galvin as deputy mayor for 2025-2026.
The councillors will vote on the mayoralty positions on Thursday 22 May at Annual Council.
Elected as a Labour councillor in 2019, Amanda was appointed deputy chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee. Now in her second term, Amanda represents Hangleton & Knoll and served as chief whip from 2023 to 2025.
Following a career in museums, Amanda is currently a trustee of the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust and an advocate for local heritage and culture. She is also a passionate supporter of our veterans and Armed Forces.
Councillor Ty Galvin has dedicated much of his life to public service and community advocacy. He represents Hanover & Elm Grove ward.
An ardent advocate for affordable housing, Ty has worked alongside organisations to campaign for community-focused developments.
A passion for heritage
Amanda was born in Manchester and moved to Brighton & Hove with her family aged 12.
After training as a history teacher, her passion for heritage led her to a role with the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust, marking the beginning of her journey in the cultural sector.
Amanda spent 6 years at the Royal Pavilion, where she developed a deep appreciation of its architecture and collections. She conducted extensive research into its use as a military hospital for soldiers from the Indian subcontinent during the First World War and is widely recognised for her engaging talks on the building’s diverse and significant history.
She was a founding member of the Brighton & Hove Heritage Commission and previously served as a trustee of the Brighton Dome and Festival.
Armed Forces Champion
As Armed Forces Champion for Brighton & Hove City Council, Amanda supports veterans, reservists and cadet units. She has promoted the Armed Forces Covenant and led key events such as Armed Forces Day and the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
A University of Sussex graduate, Amanda was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work with the Learning and Work Institute.
The Mayor’s consort is her niece, Mrs Candice Konig. Candice lives in Brighton and is chief executive of a children’s charity. Reverend David Hazell, of St Helen’s and St Richard’s Church Hangleton, will serve as the Mayor’s chaplain.
Wealth of knowledge and experience
Council leader Bella Sankey said: “I am delighted that the mayoral robes will be resting upon the shoulders of Councillor Amanda Grimshaw for the next year. She has a heart the size of the Royal Pavilion; she knows Brighton & Hove inside out and is a proud working-class woman who champions the underdog.
“As our Armed Forces Champion, Amanda is no stranger to representing the city and taking on an active role in our communities.
“It’s also a pleasure to appoint Councillor Ty Galvin as deputy mayor. He is also a doughty fighter for equality, has experience in grassroots activism for affordable housing and, as our Ageing Well Lead, champions public services and the wellbeing of older residents in the city.
“I’m looking forward to all the fantastic work Amanda and Ty will do as they pour a wealth of knowledge and experience into their year in the highest civic office of Brighton & Hove.”
Mayoral charities
The Mayor will be supporting the following charities during her mayoral year:
- Allsorts Youth Project
- Brighton Women’s Centre
- Hove & Adur Sea Cadets
- Rockinghorse Children’s Charity
The intention is that the charities are able to use the name and office of the Mayor for the year in their fundraising activities.