Former mayor hopes book inspires young councillors

A former mayor has published a children's book that he hoped would inspire young people to join their local councils.

While Jon Harvey was Buckingham Town Mayor between 2017 and 2019 he opened a school library, but was saddened to discover there were no books he could read to the children about mayors.

He said: "It was a pure delight being mayor and I wanted to capture some of that in this story.

"To me the outcome of the book is a bunch of young people saying 'I want to be a town councillor, I want to be a town mayor'. If that can happen my job is done."

Set in the market town of Netherneither End, The Mayor's Bear tells the story of councillor Roxie Riverbloom and a magical bear called Strumbold.

Mr Harvey said: "People like mayors, mayors are really important parts of local communities."

"As a mayor you get to sprinkle magic boosting dust on people simply by showing up, recognising and praising what they do for others."

The former mayor compared himself to famed author J.K Rowling and her novel The Casual Vacancy.

He said: "That was not procedurally correct which really offended me as a town councillor.

"[This book] is kind of educational - informing people of how town councils are run and what they do for their local communities."

The story was written in 2019 but was not finished until this year when it was illustrated by artist Elizabeth Gibbs.

Other than a management book, this is the first piece of fiction Mr Harvey has written.

Looking ahead he said: "I've got an idea for a second and third book already, but we'll see how this one goes."

"I joke with people that a year from now I'll be negotiating rights with Disney."

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