New Wolverhampton mayor tells of hopes for the city
A new mayor of Wolverhampton has been sworn in for the coming year.
Councillor Mike Heap was voted in unanimously at a meeting of full council last night, with his wife, Frances Heap, joining him as mayoress.
Councillor Heap, who succeeds outgoing mayor Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, announced that his theme for the year would be 'hope', adding that he felt there was 'good reason to be optimistic' for the city's future.
He was presented with his mayoral robe and chain at the ceremony, while his wife also received her traditional chain.
He said: "It is a great honour and privilege to be elected as mayor of this great city.
"Frances and I would like to thank the guests, the public, my family and friends for coming along this evening."
Councillor Heap, who represents the city's Spring Vale ward for the Liberal Democrats, announced that his chosen charities for the year were to be Mencap Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Inter-faith and Regeneration Network (CORR) and the Breast Care Nurses Trust Fund at New Cross Hospital.
Councillor Heap paid tribute to individuals within each of the organisations and said: "All these charities give hope in Wolverhampton and I am sure they will receive the support they deserve throughout the year."
Meanwhile, Councillor Ian Brookfield was appointed deputy mayor and Councillor Paula Brookfield as deputy mayoress.
