Richard is deputy for Mayor Boris

Former Wolverhampton schoolboy Richard Barnes has been appointed as the right-hand man of new London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The 60-year-old bachelor, who is the capital's new deputy mayor, lived in York Avenue, Finchfield, for seven years in his youth. His mother Kitty later returned to the area from overseas, while his brother Jeremy currently runs a sports injury clinic, based in Codsall. Jeremy, who is a father of six, said today: "We are all extremely proud of him.

"He helped Boris with his campaign to become mayor and finds him very charming. Richard has been interested in politics since he was a boy. I have no idea where it came from because no other member of the family is politically-minded."

Mrs Barnes and her late husband John, a director of former Wolverhampton engineering firm Wilson Lovatt, lived in Finchfield up until 1970 when they moved abroad.

Mr Barnes attended the former Wolverhampton Grammar Technical School. in Marsh Lane. and was head boy between 1966 and 1967. He still returns to the city regularly to visit his mother and youngest brother Jeremy.

Mrs Barnes said today: "Wolverhampton played an important part in his early life and he has retained a great affection for it."

Mr Barnes is a graduate of the University of Wales in Cardiff where he obtained a degree in politics. He then lived in Norway for seven years and speaks several Scandinavian languages along with French.

He returned to this country to set up home in Middlesex where he became involved in local politics in 1982. He stepped down from Hillingdon Council eight years ago for a seat on the Greater London Authority.

He vowed today: "It is an honour to become deputy mayor. I will work tirelessly to make the capital a better place to live and work. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to make a real difference to one of the greatest cities in the world."