News / Politics
Henry Michallat becomes one of Bristol’s youngest ever lord mayors
The great-grandson of the inventor of the Walnut Whip has been elected as one of the youngest ever lord mayors of Bristol.
Henry Michallat, a Conservative councillor for Stoke Bishop ward, was sworn into the ceremonial role at the annual general full council meeting of Bristol City Council on Tuesday.
Accepting the position, which rotates annually among political parties, 27-year-old Michallat said he would dedicate his year as Bristol’s first citizen to improving the life chances of children with dyslexia and promoting the city’s arts, culture and history.
Michallat, who was born at Southmead Hospital and grew up in north Bristol, told the meeting: “It’s both an incredible honour and deep privilege to sit before you as one of the youngest lord mayors of the great city of Bristol.
“This role carries with it a rich history dating back to 1216, a sense of tradition and a profound responsibility.
“While the position of lord is ceremonial and not a political role, it offers a unique opportunity to serve as a symbol of unity, progress and pride for the city.”
Michallat, an auctioneer and valuer at Clevedon Salerooms, said: “My family has been in Bristol for over 100 years, my great-grandfather coming to Bristol in the 1920s where he had an illustrious career as a chocolatier and inventor of the Walnut Whip.
“My theme for the year is to celebrate and promote Bristol’s arts, culture and history.
“Bristol is a city that’s always been at the forefront of creativity, whether it’s through our incredible music scene, our world-renowned street art, our historic landmarks or our diverse cultural expression.
“From the ancient walls of Bristol Castle to our buzzing theatres, art venues and museums, our city has always been a place where innovation and tradition go hand in hand.
“I believe that by promoting and championing our rich arts and cultural heritage we can not only preserve what makes Bristol unique but also build a more inclusive and dynamic city for future generations.”
View this post on Instagram
Michallat said he and his partner Josh, who will be his consort on official engagements, would dedicate time to improving life chances for children with dyslexia by working with local schools and charities to raise greater awareness.
Fellow Conservative councillor John Goulandris proposed the appointment, which received unanimous cross-party approval.
Goulandris said: “Henry will be our youngest lord mayor in living memory and will bring a youthful dynamism to the role. However, he also has a maturity well beyond his years.
“He has been active in community affairs since his early teenage years and I have had the pleasure of campaigning with Henry well before he became my fellow councillor in Stoke Bishop.”
“Serving the community is deeply embedded in Henry’s psyche.”
All photos: Bristol City Council
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
