New Wolverhampton mayor hails 'great opportunity to celebrate city'
A new mayor of Wolverhampton has been announced.
Councillor Claire Darke has become the 161st mayor of the city following last night's full council meeting.
After serving as a councillor on the city's Park ward for 11 years, Councillor Darke will make recognising the contribution of women and prevention of suicide and self-harm the themes of her year in office.
At the meeting, councillors voted on a motion making her the new mayor, before she took the oath of office.
Councillor Darke has been deputy mayor for the last year and will now take over from councillor Phil Page, making her husband, Dr Paul Darke, as her consort.
Councillor Greg Brackenbridge is set to become deputy mayor.
She said "It’s a great honour to be Mayor and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the city, promote the city and represent the city.
“The construction cranes are back in Wolverhampton and there is lots going on.
"Wolverhampton is a vibrant community and place to live and it is our citizens who make Wolverhampton the global place it is."
In line with tradition, Councillor Darke has chosen a number of good causes that she will raise money for over the year.
These include Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Stakeholders Forum and the University of Wolverhampton Alumni Mayoral Scholarship Fund, which supports people getting into higher education.
