Oakham has a new mayor- Zoe Nealson, who was elected by her fellow town councillors last week.

And being lesbian and disabled, the 39-year-old hopes her example will encourage more people of different backgrounds to enter local politics.

Zoe was born in Aldershot in 1982 and with her dad in the military, the family moved around a lot.

Her mum had grown up in Oakham and had a large family living here, so after Zoe's dad passed away, her mum bought a house opposite her parent's house, Zoe, mum and sister moved to Oakham in 1989.

Zoe stayed in Oakham until aged 18 and she left for university in Birmingham, where she worked in HR and Training until being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012.

She told Nub News: "At this point I was medically retired and returned to Oakham. I now live here very happily with my wife and our three young children."

Zoe married Rachel at the end of March in Oakham Registry Office as soon as lockdown restrictions allowed. The couple had first met at university in Birmingham 20 years ago, but after some time together went their separate ways.

The couple got back together in 2018 and things were very different. Rachel had three children, while Zoe had developed multiple sclerosis.

Zoe continued: "I joined Oakham Town Council in 2018, I had been looking for a way to give back to the town and community that I love when a chance encounter with an old school friend made me realise that Oakham Town Council was the place to do this.

"I hadn't considered becoming Mayor when I first joined the council but quickly realised it was an opportunity that would allow me to represent my home town in a proactive way.

"The role is essentially split in to two parts, in one half you are the chairman of the council, leading meetings and working closely with the town clerk to ensure accountability and efficiency within the council.

"The other half of the role is being 'The Mayor', this side allows you to represent the town at various levels both within Oakham at concerts and events and in other towns."

Zoe admits she doesn't fit the stereotype people envision when they hear the word 'Mayor.'

"I am both disabled and lesbian. I am hoping that seeing me in this role will encourage a more diverse community to engage in local politics."

"Oakham Town Council is a welcoming and positive environment. We are always looking for local initiatives to support and would be delighted to have increased public involvement at meetings and in working groups."

Zoe continued: "I would like to help support Oakham and its residents as we come our of lockdown and negotiate life through this pandemic. This includes supporting businesses and community groups as well as the ongoing projects we have to improve areas in Oakham such as the shelter project at Cutts Close Park.

"As a parent I'd be really keen to look at initiatives with schools to get younger people engaged with local politics."

The Mayor supports a charity each year and Zoe would specifically like to support a charity that centres around mental health.

"So many of us have faced struggles with mental health through lockdown and I would be keen to work with a local charity offering mental health support to all of Oakham's residents."

Such community involvement will bring a busy life, but also much joy, something happening already.

Zoe continued: "As I already mentioned, I do have a young family and I am newly married. My wife, Rachel, and our three children have already been incredibly encouraging and supportive.

"Our eldest daughter, Annabel, couldn't wait to tell her friends at school that I had been elected Mayor and she came home bursting with ideas for fundraising and community projects that they would like to see happening.

"All five of us are really looking forward to being a part of the events that Oakham Town Council has planned for the coming year.

"Rachel will help in choosing a Mayor's charity for the year and we will all be involved in planning Mayor events. We are a strong family team.

"Outside of the town council I have been involved in various local amateur dramatics groups and have really enjoyed appearing on stage in comedies, dramas, pantomimes and even musicals.

"However, for the next year, my focus will be on my role as Mayor and chairman of the town council."

Zoe takes over the role from David Romney and was pleased to receive his nomination at the AGM last week.

Zoe added: "David held the position of mayor for two years due to the corona virus pandemic and was an exemplary Mayor and chairman throughout his tenure.

"David and his partner Di connected with the people of Oakham in a variety of ways and David led the council by example with his excellent conduct.

"I am sure David and I will continue to have a good working relationship this year. Rachel and I are hoping to have as positive an impact on the community as Dave and Di did during their time as Mayor and Mayoress of Oakham."