About the current Mayor

About the Mayor

Cllr. Dobson was born in Hornchurch and spent her early life there. She moved to Billericay after her marriage to her husband Keith and subsequently to Sandon, where she has lived for around thirty years.

Following a career as an export buyer in the paint industry and having two children, she took on various roles within the community. She was the parish clerk at Sandon for fourteen years, the clerk to the governing body at William de Ferrers School, and a parent governor and PTA member for several years at St Johns Primary School, Danbury.

A keen horse rider all her life, she has worked with both the British Horse Society and Essex Bridleways Association campaigning for better off-road access for all vulnerable user groups, especially equestrians, throughout Essex.

She is currently the chair of the steering group for the Danbury Neighbourhood Plan. She is also the chair of the Sandon Quarry liaison group who liaise with local residents and the quarry operators, Brett Aggregates.

Cllr. Dobson was elected to Chelmsford City Council for the first time in May 2019 for Bicknacre and East and West Hanningfield. She also sits on the City Council’s Planning committee. She was appointed Deputy Mayor in May 2022 and took a full and active role in supporting the Mayor, Cllr John Galley, until his sad passing in October.  

In her spare time, Sue looks after her three Newfoundland dogs who all take part in water rescue training, attending displays and attending open events. Music is also an important part of Sue’s life, having spent many years performing in various choirs both locally and at London venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and St Johns Smith Square.

Sue is incredibly honoured to have been elected as Mayor to this wonderful City, and she aims to continue this Mayoral year, working hard to meet and support as many voluntary and community groups as she can.

She will be supported by her husband Keith as her consort, who is himself an active Parks and Hylands Estate volunteer. 

Deputy Mayor

The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Bob Massey, who is supported by Deputy Mayoress Ali Massey.

The Mayor’s charities and theme for the year

The new Mayor's chosen charities will remain unchanged from Cllr. Galley's tenure, namely Farleigh Hospice and Parkinson’s UK Chelmsford. She will continue to work hard to raise much-needed funds for these charities during the year

You can also donate to the Mayor's charity fund.

The late Mayor, Councillor John Galley

Councillor John Galley was elected Mayor of Chelmsford in May 2022. He passed away on 11 October 2022 after a period of illness. Our condolences are with his wife Jackie and their family.

Cllr Galley was an incredible public servant who helped the people of our city throughout his long career as a Parish Councillor, Borough and City Councillor, Deputy Leader and Mayor of Chelmsford. He will be very much missed by all of us. 

You can read our tribute to Councillor Galley on City Life.