Incoming Sandwell mayor relishing role
A ward councillor says he is proud at being selected for the next mayor of a Black Country borough.
Oldbury Ward councillor Mushtaq Hussain, who was elected in May 2018, says he is relishing the chance to represent Sandwell.
The role of the borough's mayor - like other metropolitan borough councils - is a ceremonial and non-political one.
They preside over full council meetings and attends events in the borough on behalf of the council.
Councillor Hussain, 58, originally from Pakistan, was due to become Sandwell's mayor in May but this has been delayed by coronavirus.
He is yet to be given a date when his role will start.
Councillor Hussain said: "It will be great to serve Sandwell as the mayor. It should have happened in May but because we have been in lockdown, I have been in limbo.
"I haven't been notified when I will start."
Asked about his background in politics, Councillor Hussain said: "I am there to help people.
"I am a Labour member, I represent the public anyway being a community worker and social worker. I represent the mosque in Tipton.
"I have been a councillor for just over three years. I represent the Oldbury ward. I was brought up in Tipton.
"That is a bout a mile away from home. I was born in Pakistan. I moved over here in the 1970s when I was about eight."
He added: "It will be great to be mayor and serve the people of Sandwell."
