The new Mayor of Redbridge has spoken of her passion for the borough as she was elected last night.
Goodmayes ward councillor Barbara White was sworn in for 2015/16 at a council meeting at Redbridge town hall, in Ilford.
Newbury ward councillor Thavathuray Jeyaranjan was elected as a Deputy Mayor.
Cllr White was born in Forest Gate and spent her working life as a musician, being elected to the council in 2010.
She will be fundraising for seven charities based or working within Redbridge including Guide Dogs UK, PDSA Pet Training Hospital, Carers Trust Epping Forest Harlow, Havering & Redbridge, Redbridge Faith Forum, Redbridge Equalities & Community Council, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Hopes and Dreams.
She said: “I was delighted to be nominated by my colleagues across the council as Mayor for 2015/16 and am looking forward to the year ahead albeit with some trepidation knowing the many great mayors’ footsteps I am following in.
"I feel passionate about Redbridge and am looking forward to meeting many residents and organisations in the coming year as well as fundraising for charities in areas close to my heart.
“I always wanted to speak up for those less able to speak for themselves and have therefore chosen seven local charities to support during my mayoral year.
“These are all charities working in areas close to my heart.”
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