Councillor Makhan Singh was elected as Graveshams first citizen on May 23, 1997 with his wife Surinder as Mayoress by his side.

'I am very exited and honoured to be elected Mayor for Gravesham. It is a unique achievement in my family and they are all very proud,"  Singh, now 65, had told media when he occupied the post.

'We live in a multi-cultural society and I want to make a contribution representing all sectors of the community during my year in office.' Singh has represnted Pelham for 14 years.

There are 18 wards in the Borough; as well as those serving Gravesend town (Central, Pelham, Riverside, Singlewell, Whitehill, Woodlands) and Northfleet (2 wards, North & South), there are those for the larger estates (Coldharbour, Istead Rise, Painters Ash, Riverview, Westcourt). Outlying villages are served by the following wards: Chalk  Higham  Meopham: 2 wards North & South  Shorne, Cobham & Luddesdowne Vigo is part of the Meopham South ward.

Gravesham is a local government district and borough in Kent, England. Its council is based in Gravesend. It corresponds closely to the Gravesham constituency.