A Conservative councillor who battled through bowel cancer was “surprised” but “delighted” to be appointed mayor of a Labour majority council.

Councillor Peter Herrington of Endlebury ward in Chingford, was unanimously appointed as mayor on Thursday (May 19) in Walthamstow Town Hall.

Cllr Herrington is committing his charitable efforts to Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone after the “brilliant” care he received while being treated for bowel cancer two years ago.

The councillor said he was “eternally grateful” to the hospital and would spend his year as mayor helping “provide enhancements” to “benefit future patients, both young and old”.

In his first speech as mayor he dedicated the moment to the memory of his parents who would be “beaming and proud as punch” to see him become mayor.

He added: “From education and career to house and family, Waltham Forest has given me so much in the last 61 years.

“I will ensure that my year in office justly reflects my deep held appreciation for the borough and its people.

“Given there is an even larger Labour majority at the moment and we are more of a minority party it was a great surprise.”

The reverend Canon Rodney Matthews of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Chingford was appointed as Mayor’s Chaplain.