The Town Mayor

About Alison Insley

Election date as Mayor: 14 May, 2026

Alison was born, raised and educated in Coventry and moved to Kenilworth in 1990.

Having worked full time in Local Government for 34 years in both Coventry and Warwickshire and serving as an On-call Firefighter for 6 years, Alison is now a local Town Councillor and proud to be the Kenilworth Mayor for the current civic year.

Alison is a Level 3 Squash Coach and a Cycling Instructor and enjoys teaching these skills to anyone and everyone.

Alison is both excited and nervous. but hoping that her life story will be reflected in her year ahead. She promises to do the best of her ability to serve Kenilworth with the drive, passion, commitment and the work ethic that has been the making of her, doing what she can, when she can, hopefully sharing her journey with laughter, humour and a smile.

She will progress her year with peace and happiness in mind, adding a bit of colour and spice during the journey, and with the overall theme of communities and health and wellbeing. Trying to reach all corners of Kenilworth, engaging, collaborating and connecting with as many communities, volunteers, charities and businesses as possible. Understanding, respecting and celebrating the differences of individuals and bringing together the people that are not always seen or heard. Alison wants to learn from, share and celebrate achievements, partnerships and all the good work that our communities do. She hopes to experience and embrace the opportunities over the year and step out of her comfort zone.

This year is a milestone year for Kenilworth Carnival, celebrating a 100-year anniversary since it first began back in 1926. For all these years, our town has come together to celebrate; with colour, music, entertainment, laughter and a sense of belonging. In 2026, we honour not just the history of the Carnival, but the people, businesses and traditions that have made it thrive.

Alison’s chosen charities for her Mayoral year are Warwickshire Search and Rescue Service and Warwickshire Hearts. She has been associated with both of these charities since leaving her role as a Firefighter. She joined these organisations as she felt that her values aligned with the community and voluntary work that they both do and also, where her previous skills and knowledge as a Firefighter can be best utilised. She has witnessed the amazing training and work on the ground that they both deliver, they are fully staffed by committed, qualified and trained volunteers.

As this is also the National Year of reading and the theme for the year is to ‘Go All In’. She says, she will ‘Go All In’ and squash as much as she can, into her cycle as the Mayor of Kenilworth.