The Council is led by the Town Mayor, who is supported by a Deputy Mayor, both elected annually by their fellow Councillors. The Mayor and his/her deputy serve a one-year term, but can be re-elected, with the Deputy Town Mayor usually elected as Mayor the following year.

Originally the Town Council was led by a 'Chairman', with the last Chairman of the Town Council being David Jermy in 1996.  From 1997, whoever is elected by the Town Council to lead it for the year also assumes the title of Bungay Town Mayor.  The first elected Mayor of Bungay was Madeleine Parr.

The Mayor of Bungay, Bob Prior (pictured right) was elected in May 2020.  The Mayor wears an engraved silver chain of office consisting of a medallion and engraved silver plates with the names of previous holders of the office. The Mayor is Civic Head of Bungay.

Each year, The Mayor launches an appeal for whichever charity he or she selects and the following extract explains why this year's Mayor has chosen the 1st Bungay (School) Sea Scout Group and Bungay District of Girl Guiding. 

"Formed in 1947 at the former Bungay Middle School, Hillside Road East, by the former teacher Walter Brown, 1st Bungay (School) Sea Scouts took over the dilapidated Boathouse on the Staithe in 1951.  Since that time, they have carried out a number of refurbishments to bring it up to the standard required.  Their latest extensive modernisation of the Boathouse took place last year, but they need a further £8000 for the final stages to provide first class facilities.

Through fun, friendship, challenge and adventure, Bungay District of Girl Guiding empowers girls to find their voice, inspiring them to find the best in themselves and to make a positive difference in the community.  Currently with about 100 members, their current HQ is wholly inadequate for the variety of activities and at the end of its useful life.  Urgent funds are needed to help them build a new purpose-built building to allow all activities to be catered for.  The task is enormous, but in true Guiding fashion they are determined to realise their dream."

If anyone wishes to contribute towards these exceptionally good causes, please contact the Town Clerk or Bob Prior.