The great-grandson of the inventor of the Walnut Whip has been elected as one of the youngest lord mayors of Bristol.
Cllr Henry Michallat, 27, (Conservative, Stoke Bishop) was sworn into the ceremonial role at the annual general full council meeting of Bristol City Council last month.
Accepting the position, Cllr Michallat said he would dedicate his year as Bristol’s first citizen to improving the life chances of children with dyslexia and promoting the city’s arts, culture and history.
His predecessor Cllr Andrew Varney (Lib Dem, Brislington West) becomes deputy lord mayor for the next 12 months.
Cllr Michallat, who was born at Southmead Hospital and grew up in north Bristol, told the meeting: “It’s both an incredible honour and deep privilege to sit before you as one of the youngest lord mayors of the great city of Bristol.
“This role carries with it a rich history dating back to 1216, a sense of tradition and a profound responsibility. I am truly humbled to be elected to this historic office and I promise to serve with the utmost dedication and commitment to our city.
“While the position of lord mayor is ceremonial and not a political role, it offers a unique opportunity to serve as a symbol of unity, progress and pride for the city.”
Cllr Michallat, an auctioneer and valuer at Clevedon Salerooms, said: “My family has been in Bristol for over 100 years, my great-grandfather coming to Bristol in the 1920s where he had an illustrious career as a chocolatier and inventor of the Walnut Whip.
“My theme for the year is to celebrate and promote Bristol’s arts, culture and history.
“Bristol is a city that’s always been at the forefront of creativity, whether it’s through our incredible music scene, our world-renowned street art, our historic landmarks or our diverse cultural expression.
“From the ancient walls of Bristol Castle to our buzzing theatres, art venues and museums, our city has always been a place where innovation and tradition go hand in hand.
“I believe that by promoting and championing our rich arts and cultural heritage we can not only preserve what makes Bristol unique but also build a more inclusive and dynamic city for future generations.
“I also plan to highlight the historical significance of Bristol, from its maritime heritage to its role in the Industrial Revolution and important architecture and ensure that these stories are told in a way that is inclusive and respectful of all the different communities that make up our great city.
“I wish to explore not only our successes but also our challenges and how to overcome them.”
Cllr Michallat said he and his partner Josh, who will be his consort on official engagements, would dedicate time to improving life chances for children with dyslexia by working with local schools and charities to raise awareness.
“This is something which is close to our hearts,” he said.
“I pledge to honour this position with integrity, humility and a deep love for the city I have always called home.
“Together we will continue to make Bristol a place where creativity flourishes, heritage is cherished and every voice is heard.”
Fellow Conservative ward Cllr John Goulandris proposed the appointment, which received unanimous cross-party approval.
He said: “Henry will be our youngest lord mayor in living memory and will bring a youthful dynamism to the role.
“However, he also has a maturity well beyond his years.
“He has been active in community affairs since his early teenage years and I have had the pleasure of campaigning with Henry well before he became my fellow councillor in Stoke Bishop.
“Like me, Henry has a surname with decidedly non-Bristolian roots. Henry’s great-grandfather emigrated from France in 1908. However, Henry himself is a true Bristolian, born and bred here.
“Henry will bring many personal qualities to the role of lord mayor. He has tremendous personal charm, always calm in manner and extremely patient.
“Henry has that X factor of likeability – that ability to relate to all people, young and old.
“When we go door-knocking, people who won’t say very much to me or to other canvassers open up and chat with Henry like a long-lost friend.
“I know that Henry together with his consort Josh will bring a friendly, sensitive and refreshingly modern approach to their respective roles.”
Cllr Michallat was first elected in 2021 and, as lord mayor, will chair full council meetings
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service