Councillor Pamela Wallace has officially started her term as the Mayor of Halton for the 2026–2027 civic year, following a special installation ceremony held on Wednesday evening at Runcorn Town Hall.
She will be supported throughout her mayoral year by her colleague and friend, Councillor John Abbott, who will act as her consort.
As the “first citizen” of the borough, the Mayor occupies a non-political role, representing all residents across Widnes and Runcorn equally. I
n her civic capacity, Wallace will preside over full meetings of Halton Borough Council to ensure proper constitutional procedures are followed fairly.
She will also serve as a public ambassador for the locality at civic functions throughout Halton, Cheshire, and the wider Liverpool City Region.
The newly installed Mayor said she is greatly honoured to represent and promote the borough of Halton at civic functions and at engagements across Halton, Cheshire and the Liverpool City Region.
Pamela Wallace said:
“I’m here to bring people together, celebrate our community, and make sure every resident feels represented and included.”
Born and raised in West Bank, Widnes, where she still lives today, Wallace attended West Bank School and Fairfield Secondary Modern School.
Before entering local politics, her career included positions at Max Bernstein’s on Hutchinson Street, as well as roles working as a carer and a community food worker.
Her initial community work began as Secretary of the West Bank Community Forum, where the team secured the Overall Millennium Community Champions Award for the North West and North Wales.
She later served as Secretary of the Tenants and Residents Federation on Lugsdale Road in Widnes.
First elected to Halton Borough Council in 2006, Wallace has served continuously as a Ward Councillor for the Central & West Bank Ward, formerly known as the Riverside Ward.
During her two decades on the council, she has also held the positions of Vice Chair on Safer Halton and Chair of the Regulatory Committee.
Elected Members Take Over Civic Leadership Roles at Runcorn Town Hall Installation
The annual transition of civic responsibilities marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to raise funds for regional healthcare and support networks. T
he newly appointed consort, Councillor John Abbott, brings an extensive background in regional social care to his diplomatic role.
Abbott, who was born on Merseyside and educated at the University of Liverpool, spent twenty years working as a social worker.
For the last decade, he has operated as the Chief Executive of Halton Disability Partnership, a borough-wide charity operating out of Runcorn.
Alongside his ten years of service as an elected councillor, Abbott also acts as a Trustee of the Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.
Charitable Foundations Selected for Dedicated Mayoral Fundraising Initiatives
The primary municipal campaign will focus on assisting two regional charities over the next twelve months, targeting terminal healthcare and women’s isolation services.
The Mayor has chosen to support two local charities, Halton Haven Hospice and Fortuna Female Society.
Halton Haven Hospice provides compassionate care and support to people living with a life-limiting illness or terminal condition, delivering safe, specialist end-of-life care for patients and vital support for their families.
As a registered charity, Halton Haven Hospice must raise over £1.25 million each year through donations, community events and fundraising initiatives to remain open and fully operational.
The organisation operates under the core philosophy: “We can’t add days to life, but we can add life to days”.
The second selected cause, Fortuna Female Society, is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where women can connect, grow, and thrive.
The organisation targets social isolation by delivering free and affordable events designed to inspire confidence, build meaningful connections, and encourage personal development across Widnes and Runcorn.
