THE new Mayor of Southampton will be formally unveiled today (Weds, March 20).

Linda Norris, who has been Sheriff for the past year, will take over the role at the annual mayor-making ceremony at the city's Guildhall.

The Conservative councillor for Portswood takes over from Labour's Sue Blatchford, who lost her council seat in the recent local elections.

She is set to be succeeded as Sheriff of Southampton by Redbridge Labour councillor Cathie McEwing.

Former Conservative Bitterne Park councillor Peter Baillie is also set to be named as an Alderman of the city at today's ceremony.

The mayor-making ceremony is open to the public, with anyone wanting to attend needing to be seated at the Guildhall by 10.40am before the ceremony starts at 11am.

The ceremony will then be followed by the city council's annual general meeting, when the leader will be formally voted for and new appointments to cabinet positions and other committees confirmed.