Chair of the council

The Chair and Deputy Chair attend community events and functions. You can invite the Chair to your event and find out what events they have attended recently.

The Chair is elected by Councillors at the Annual Meeting. The role of Chair is non-political and focuses on promoting public involvement in Council activities, acting as a focal point for communities across Westmorland and Furness. The Chair also presides over meetings of the Council, ensuring they run smoothly and all Councillors can participate. 

The current Chair of the council is Cllr Doug Rathbone, who was elected on 7 May 2025.

The Deputy Chair supports the Chair and acts in their absence. The Deputy Chair is elected by Councillors at the Annual Council. 

The current Deputy Chair is Cllr Mark Rudhall, who was elected on 7 May 2025. 

Guidance for organisers of events

The Chair will be pleased to consider invitations to attend events such as official openings or social functions.

If you'd like to invite the Chair to your event, please read the following guidance notes.

If you have any questions about what is expected, please contact member.support@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk for further information.

Chair’s charity 

The Chair's charity is South Lakes Dementia Community, which is a collective of supportive organisations working together to improve the lives of people living with dementia and help their families and carers. 

The aim is to create dementia friendly communities, to ensure people are more attentive and understanding to the needs of those affected by dementia.

Invite the Chair to an event or social function

The Chair will be pleased to consider invitations to attend events such as official openings or social functions.

We consider invitations in the order we receive them. As engagements are often offered many months in advance, it is best to make your request as soon as possible, but at least 14 days in advance.

Send an invitation to the chair

Official engagements undertaken by the Chair

Organisers must ensure that the Chair is met on arrival and looked after appropriately during the visit.

The Chair is the civic head of the district and should be addressed as the Chair or Madame Chair as appropriate.

2026

There are currently no official engagements undertaken by the deputy Chair.

2025