Saltash Town Council - Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The Mayor of Saltash

The Mayor is elected by fellow councillors and takes office in May. As Chairman of the Council the Mayor presides over the Town Council meetings and attends all committee meetings in an ex-officio role. During the term of office the Mayor is a familiar face in the town attending many events and supporting local organisations. If you would like to invite the Mayor to attend an event please email your request to mayors-secretary@saltash.gov.uk or post it to Saltash Town Council, The Guildhall, 12 Lower Fore Street, Saltash PL12 6JX.  

The Civic Awards are held annually to celebrate and award achievements within the community and those who continually go the extra mile for the town. Nominations are normally open in January of each year. All nominations must be made on the nominations form. Further details of the awards can be found here

Councillor Brian Stoyel, Mayor of Saltash 2026-2027

Brian and his wife, Maxine, have been associated with Saltash since 1977 when their family moved from Berkshire to a derelict property at North Pill.  Brian’s grandparents originated from Cornwall, and both Brian and Maxine were born and raised in Plymouth, with family in Tavistock and Bere Alston. 

They moved away from the South West to teach after their marriage but returned to set up home and raise their family here in Saltash.  Their three children attended Longstone Primary School.

Brian soon joined the Saltash Chamber of Commerce and, in 1981, Saltash Rotary. 

Despite moving into Plymouth (to be nearer aging relatives) Brian retained his ties with Saltash through lifelong friends and his membership of Saltash Rotary; and Saltash has always been a huge part of his social, fundraising and volunteering life – supporting May Fayre, Regatta, Real Ale Festival, St Barnabas, Waterside Clean Up to name a few.

Moving back to ‘the right side of the water’ in 2018, Brian continued to promote the natural beauty of the Tamar valley and Saltash as the gateway to Cornwall during national and international travel.

Today, Brian is a Trustee for both Abbeyfield ‘Cresta’ (a supported living facility here in Saltash) and Saltash Scrapstore.  Both opportunities bring him into contact with individuals and organisations across Saltash and its surrounding communities.

As a Councillor for Trematon & Landrake ward, Brian will strive to ensure that local residents have pride in their town, supporting its development and individuality.  He believes that Town Councillors have a key role in ensuring that Saltash continues to thrive in an ever-changing and modernising world, and feels privileged to represent a ward in his own home town.

In his spare time, Brian enjoys many hobbies including gardening, DIY projects and model railways.  With Maxine, he also enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Councillor Brenda Samuels, Deputy Mayor of Saltash 2026-2027

Brenda is married to fellow Town Councillor Pete and has one son and two stepsons, plus a Golden Retriever who rules the household completely!

Born and educated in Cornwall, Brenda started her working life at a local estate agent in Liskeard, moving on from there to being one of the first female insurance agents in the country.

Next was a move to Nationwide and then on to a property developer, progressing to the role of Area Manager. When the company was taken over, Brenda decided to take redundancy and go into business with husband Pete and they now run their own company which is based in Saltash.

For many years Brenda was a member of Saltash and District Ladies Circle, rising to the position of Area Chairman for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Brenda joined Saltash Rotary Club a few years ago, becoming their President in 2016-17 and again in 2021-22 She was recognised by the Club for her work within the charity in 2018 by being created a Paul Harris Fellow, an accolade that reflects hard work and achievement within the Rotary organisation worldwide.

Although a Councillor since 2018 she is delighted to be elected unopposed for the Trematon ward of Saltash in the 2025 May elections. A very active member of Saltash Rotary Club and Saltash Chamber of Commerce as well as being involved in other focus groups within the Town.

Brenda was re-elected as Chairman of Planning and Licensing Committee in 2025 as well as Chairman of the Library Sub Committee.