After two years in the civic chain – one as deputy mayor and one as mayor – Leamington's outgoing mayor for 2025-6 has described the role as "an amazing experience" and said he would gladly do it again if the opportunity arose.

Initially reluctant to take on the position, Cllr Ruggy Singh, who is Leamington 'born and bred' admitted that becoming mayor was never part of his plans.

"From the start, it was a case of 'it's not my thing, I haven't got the time for it'" expressed Cllr Singh.

However, after his colleagues 'twisted his arm' and with encouragement from his friends and family, Cllr Singh decided to take on the role.

Speaking to Nub News, he shared, "I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would."

With his mayoral term now over, and with Cllr Sarah Boad taking over as Leamington's next mayor, Cllr Singh is reflecting on his year in office.

He shared a key highlight of his mayoral term, was witnessing performances by young adults with disabilities through Side by Side Theatre, which he described as "amazing" and "full of so much energy".

Side by Side Theatre is a local charity that brings together adults with and without learning disabilities or neurodiversity by running weekly workshops.

Another standout moment came when he presented achievement awards at Pound Lane.

"Giving certificates to disabled young adults and seeing the look on their faces was just totally memorable. "It was so touching," shared Cllr Singh.

Throughout his mayoral year, he championed local charity Flourish, raising close to £4,000. While he had hoped to surpass £5,000, Cllr Singh said the campaign had achieved something equally important: raising awareness.

"I've had a lot of compliments from Flourish for raising their profile so much," he explained.

"I've even had people from Birmingham and North Warwickshire asking about the charity, whether they cover other areas and how they can get involved."

He added that some young adults had even approached him to say they wished a similar organisation had existed when they were younger.

Looking back, Cllr Singh also said one of the biggest successes of the year was the camaraderie among fellow civic representatives.

"People who have previously been mayor said our chain gang was the best they've seen," he said.

"We've become great friends."

The role brought with it a demanding schedule, with some weeks containing multiple engagements every day.

Cllr Singh went on to recall the festive season was one of the busiest periods of his year in office, attending a packed programme of events leading up to the town's Christmas lights switch-on.

In an unexpected twist, he ended up switching on the lights himself after the chair of the District Council was delayed returning from London.

"I had to do it in front of everyone on my own," he laughed.

Despite the time commitment, he said the experience was immensely rewarding.

"If there is anyone thinking of doing it, I'd highly recommend it," he said.

"But you definitely need the support of your friends and family behind you."

That support proved invaluable throughout his term. Cllr Singh began the year with his daughter accompanying him as consort at some events, followed by a close friend.

As his term comes to an end, Cllr Singh is preparing for a new chapter.

Having previously put plans on hold to focus on his mayoral duties, he is now looking to return to full-time employment after years spent as a full-time carer for his former partner and children.

Asked whether he would ever consider becoming mayor again, his answer was immediate.

"Yes, definitely," he said.

"It's just such an amazing experience."

While councillors have discussed the possibility of extending mayoral terms beyond a single year, he acknowledged the practical challenges of doing so within the council's political structure.

For now, however, his overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude.

He shared: "I want to thank my friends and family.

"They supported me so much and I couldn't have done it without them."

Summing up his time in office, he added: "It's been an amazing experience. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did, and it's been an honour and a privilege to serve the town of Royal Leamington Spa."