The Shropshire town of Oswestry has today sworn in its first ever gay mayor. Councillor Sandy Best was sworn in as the mayor in a ceremony at the town's Guildhall with her mayoress and partner, Marilyn Taylor.
The Shropshire Star report that 'the historian said it was a huge personal honour to be elected as mayor, an office dating back to 1674, and said she was proud to be the first openly gay mayor in Oswestry'.
Speaking to the newspaper, Mayor Sandy Best said: "Marilyn and I greatly look forward to representing the council.
"A mayor always needs a strong and reliable supporting act as a mayoress or consort, and it is my immense pleasure to confirm that my partner, Marilyn Taylor will fulfil that role.