REDDITCH Mayor Ann Isherwood handed on the chain of office to her successor Coun Salman Akbar at full council last night.
Coun Akbar is the first ever British Pakistani Muslim Mayor of Redditch.
He said: “I am humbled to have been elected the Mayor of Redditch.
“I would like to thank my family, friends and colleagues Redditch Conservatives for their continued support.
“I would also like to thank former mayor of Redditch – Ann Isherwood for her service to Redditch for the past year.
“I look forward to working with different communities and groups within Redditch and promoting community integration.”
Coun Karen Ashley was elected as Deputy Mayor.
In an emotional goodbye post, former Mayor Ann Isherwood wished both Councillors the best of luck in their new roles.
“Last night in full Council was a whole host of mixed emotions – it was wonderful to have a formal platform to report back my work over the last 12 months as the serving Mayor.
“And thank many people and, I mean many people that helped me to achieve what I did.
“350 event’s attended, 2,600 miles travelled and £13,375 raised for Touchstones.
“A massive thank you to all those who attended my events because without you I could not of done this.”
