A controversial councillor apologised to his colleagues after attracting criticism in recent weeks before he was “weighed in” as mayor of High Wycombe this morning.

The traditional mayor-making ceremony saw Councillor Brian Pearce, dressed in ceremonial robes and chains, paraded in front of crowds before taking to the scales today (May 20).

The annual weighing-in ceremony is well known in Wycombe as residents get to see if politicians and dignitaries have been “overindulging” during their time in office.

The audience are encouraged to “boo” for dignitaries who have gained weight over the past year and cheer for those who have managed keep it off.


This week questions were raised as to whether Cllr Pearce would take on the prestigious role after he attracted criticism for “inciting racism” when he joked a traveller cull should be carried out on the nomadic community, which he was later forced to apologise for.

And last week he faced calls to stand down after it emerged he recently lost a court battle over a tenancy dispute on TV’s Judge Rinder.

At a meeting of the Charter Trustees this morning, ahead of the official ceremony, Cllr Pearce addressed his colleagues, saying he is “deeply sorry” if he tarnished the mayor’s reputation in recent weeks, adding that he hopes to draw a line under it all.

He said: “At this stage of proceedings, I would like to make the following statement: There been a number of press articles concerning myself in recent weeks.

“May I unreservedly apologise for the things I have said. Of course I am deeply sorry.

“I would like to now please draw a line under the whole episode and thank those for supporting me. It’s at times like these that I know who my friends are.”

Seconding the nomination for Cllr Pearce Cllr Ray Farmer said: “I’ve known him [Brian] for several years and I think to be mayor of High Wycombe is a dream for him.

“It will be hard work I’m sure, but he will definitely, always, do his best. My one tip is, if the Bucks Free Press come calling, it’s just ‘no comment’.”

Speaking after the ceremony outgoing mayor Cllr Zia Ahmed – who did not put on weight during his year in post – said he has had an “excellent year”.

He told the Bucks Free Press: “I think it was an excellent year. You attended the events and will see that people, from all communities, all came together.

“I think my Mayor’s Ball was especially successful – every community was represented there. It’s been a good year.

“There’s been loads of highlights, too many to choose one, but all of the memories will stay with me. You could see today, my weight was no more, so at least the people of High Wycombe could see that I worked hard for them.”

Cllr Pearce refused to talk to the Bucks Free Press directly today however he is expected to send an official statement in an email in the coming week.