A NEW Mayor of Redditch has taken over the chain of office during an annual meeting.

Councillor Juma Begum was elected Mayor at a meeting of Redditch Borough Council on Monday (May 20).

Councillor Begum said: “I know that for me this will be the experience of a lifetime and I promise to serve Redditch with humility and honesty.

“As Mayor of Redditch I am here to serve everyone and to promote Redditch at every opportunity. You will always have my backing.

“I want to thank everyone who voted, and everyone who put their faith in me as Mayor of Redditch. Treating everyone with kindness and respect will help us all go a long way.”

Redditch Advertiser: Councillor Begum signing in as Mayor of Redditch with borough council chief executive Sue HanleyCouncillor Begum signing in as Mayor of Redditch with borough council chief executive Sue Hanley (Image: Redditch Borough Council)

Councillor Begum chose the Disability Support Project as her civic charity.

Cllr Joanna Kane was elected Deputy Mayor.

Councillors at the meeting also elected Cllr Joe Baker and Cllr Sharon Harvey as Leader and Deputy leader.