Wolverhampton's new mayor is officially elected

Dr Michael Hardacre was elected into the role during Wolverhampton Council's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday.

He will stand as mayor alongside his wife, Lynn Plant, who is the city's new mayoress.

The meeting also saw Councillor Linda Leach named Deputy Mayor with her husband Pete becoming Deputy Consort.

Councillor Hardacre who is a Labour member, has represented the Park ward since 2011 and is a well-known former headteacher.

He said: "I am delighted to have the privilege of being the Mayor of Wolverhampton for the forthcoming civic year.

"Being mayor will be a real honor and I am looking forward to being an ambassador for the people of our great city over the next 12 months."

The meeting also saw councillor Linda Leach, former cabinet member for adult services, elected deputy mayor, with her husband Pete named deputy consort.

In his acceptance speech, Councillor Hardacre, said: "It is a great honour this council has given me and I’m absolutely humbled at the thought of being your mayor.

"There can be no greater honour bestowed of being the mayor of what is effectively become my home town.

"This council is an important mover and driver in the life of the city aiming to promote excellence in its industrial, commercial, educational and artistic life throughout the city."

During the meeting, long-standing Labour councillor Ian Brookfield was also re-elected as council leader, and his new cabinet selected as:

• Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Inclusive City Economy, Steve Simkins

• Cabinet Member for Jobs and Skills, Louise Miles

• Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Craig Collingswood

• Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Chris Burden

• Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, Paula Brookfield

• Cabinet Member for Resources, Obaida Ahmed

• Cabinet Member for City Housing, Steve Evans

• Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, Jasbir Jaspal

• Cabinet Member for Visitor City, Bhupinder Gakhal.