Pub operator elected mayor of Goole

Originally from Barnsley, 48-year-old pub operator and councillor Chris Bailey has been at the helm of the town’s Mulberry pub for the past 17 years.

Bailey changed the name of what was formerly the Jailhouse pub in summer 2020 after revamping the establishment in honour of the men who built Mulberry harbours – floating artificial harbours designed and constructed by British military engineers during World War two – sections of which were constructed in Goole and used in the D-Day landings.

An independent councillor for two years Bailey began working in pubs at the age of 21 according to Hull Live​.

Bailey replaces Josie Head, who was Goole's longest serving mayor before she passed away while in office. According to reports, there were no elections last year due to pandemic restrictions, meaning that Head continued in office for a second consecutive year. 

Bailey told Hull Live​ that it was a “great honour” to have been elected mayor of Goole. 

“I've got big shoes to fill following on from Josie Head, who sadly passed away in office earlier this year. We have a great council who are all working together to improve Goole."

Bailey’s pub forms part of community pub operator Hawthorn’s nationwide estate of 700 pubs. 

“We always talk about how our partners and operators are at the heart of their community, and you won’t find many better examples than Chris,” Mark Davies, CEO of Hawthorn, said.  

“To be elected mayor of Goole is testament to how well Chris understands the town and what the community cares about. Well done, Chris, from all of us at Hawthorn.”