Mayor's Biography

Cllr. Graham Welborn  B.A. is the 125th Mayor and first citizen of Warrington.

He is a retired senior teacher with more than 30 years experience in special education.

His wife Elaine, the Mayoress, is a retired primary teacher, responsible for early years education.  Elaine gained a B. Ed. from Manchester University, studying as a mature student at Padgate Campus, Warrington.  In 2008, Elaine returned to the Council as borough councillor for Grappenhall and Thewall ward.

Both Graham and Elaine were born in Warrington.  They have a son George, a daughter Jane and two grandchildren, Jack and Lewis.

Graham qualified as a teacher at C.F. Mott Training College, Liverpool, His first teaching post was at Bewsey School, Warrington.  He then followed in his father’s footsteps, serving as a police officer in the Cheshire Constabulary.  While in the police he assisted at Chaigeley Residential School, Thelwall, working as a volunteer with young people experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties.  This led to a full time position at the school, where he stayed for 17 years and gained Posts of Responsibility.  During this time he achieved a B.A. Degree and a Post Graduate Diploma from the Open University.  Graham went on to establish Integrated Units in secondary schools in Cheshire before moving  to a day special school in Skelmersdale and setting up provision for excluded pupils.

Graham was a parish councillor for Grappenhall & Thelwall from 1996 and was elected chairman in 2003/04.  His other achievements include being chair of local community associations GYCA and Quays and he led a community group to produce a “Village Design Statement”, accepted as Supplementary Planning Guidance. Has been a long standing governor and past Chair of Bradshaw Primary School.

In 2004, he was elected borough councillor for Latchford West.  During his time he engaged with Latchford Forum and actively worked on the Community Bus Project.  He was also a governor of Latchford C of E Primary School.  More recently he served on the council's Executive Board for Cleaner, Green, Safer Communities.

Graham enjoys family interests and being with grandchildren.  In younger days played Rugby Union, now a keen supporter of Warrington Wolves, enjoys swimming and walking, is an active Member of Grappenhall I.M. Church.

Mayor’s Charities are:  Age Concern
      YMCA