New Mayor of High Peak takes the chain

High Peak Borough Council has welcomed a new Mayor following its Annual Meeting, with Councillor Dom Elliott-Starkey officially taking on the ceremonial role for the 2025–2026 term. 

At just 26 years old, Cllr Elliott-Starkey, who previously served as Deputy Mayor, is one of the youngest individuals ever to hold the office in the borough. Representing Dinting Ward, he lives in Glossop with his husband and two stepchildren, who attend St. Andrew’s Junior School and Glossopdale School & Sixth Form. 

Cllr Barbara Hastings-Asatourian, who represents Whitfield Ward, has been appointed Deputy Mayor. She brings a wealth of experience from her long career in nursing, midwifery, and health visiting. The new mayor’s consort will be newly re-elected County Councillor Jean Wharmby, who also brings significant experience to the role. 

A former teaching assistant who supported students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Cllr Elliott-Starkey has placed community inclusion and mental health at the centre of his mayoral focus, alongside pledging to build relationships with neighbouring districts inviting their civic heads to the High Peak, which he called “the best place in Derbyshire”. 

Expressing his thanks, the new Mayor said afterwards: “It is an honour and privilege to announce I was elected as Mayor of High Peak. I would like to thank the retiring Mayor, Cllr Stewart Gardner, for his service. I would also like to thank all the organisations and individuals for their openness and support over my year as Deputy Mayor. I am really looking forward to working with and supporting the great variety of organisations and communities we are so lucky to have in High Peak. 

“My three chosen charities for this year are Reuben’s Retreat, The Thomas Theyer Foundation, and Mentell. These are three incredible charities which do amazing work to support mental health and neurodiversity; two areas which are very close to my heart and which I am passionate about. I plan to have a number of events across the borough to support the charities, and I am excited to share these with you over the coming year. I am really looking forward to welcoming neighbouring civics to the High Peak and particularly to my incredible council ward of Dinting. 

“I am incredibly lucky this year to have my consort, Jean Wharmby, who has already offered so much guidance and support sharing her invaluable expertise. I would also like to wish my Deputy, Cllr Barbara Hastings-Asatourian the very best and I am sure we will have a great year working together. 

“On a personal note, I am really looking forward to promoting our incredible area and pledge to work hard to be an accessible, supportive, and fair Mayor of High Peak.” 

Deputy Mayor Cllr Barbara Hastings-Asatourian has shared her enthusiasm for the year ahead, stating, “So happy and proud to be sworn in as Deputy Mayor. I’m looking forward to serving High Peak in a new way and to working with the Mayor, Councillor Dominic Elliot-Starkey 2025 to 2026.” 

Outgoing mayor Cllr Stewart Gardner, who represents Simmondley Ward, was formally thanked during the meeting and presented with a commemorative badge, alongside his Mayoress, Melissa Gardner. Reflecting on his year in office, Cllr Gardner shared a heartfelt message on social media: “It has been such an honour to be Mayor of High Peak over the past year. I met so many great people and went to so many memorable events. Thanks to everyone I came across along the way. What an area we live in!”