New mayor will campaign for rights of elderly

CAMPAIGNING on behalf of elderly people will be just one of the aims of Brent's new mayor during his year in office.

Labour councillor Ralph Fox was elected to the position of mayor - the borough's 44th - at a ceremony on Wednesday evening last week.

The Dollis Hill ward council-lor, who has been a member of Brent Council since 1998, said he was honoured to be the first citizen of the borough.

Mr Fox, 60, said: "It's great, and I feel that very deeply. I'm very proud to do this job.

"I'm going to do my very best and hopefully enjoy my year."

One of the charities nominated by Mr Fox to benefit from fundraising events in the next 12 months is Brent Age Concern, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Mr Fox said: "One of my main themes is going to be dignity for older people and making sure they do not live in poverty.

"There are so many older people in homes and hospitals so we must think about how we care for them.

"But I'm not forgetting young people either. They are important for our future and I will be visiting as many youth centres and schools as possible."

After being elected to represent the old ward of Brentwater in 1998, Mr Fox chaired the council's planning committee for three years and was 'older people's champion' when Labour controlled the authority.

Councillor Bob Blackman (Conservative), deputy leader of Brent Council, welcomed the new mayor.

He said: "In Ralph Fox we have got someone who commands respect around the chamber.

"He did an excellent job when he was in charge of planning and proved he can chair meetings.

"He also performed well in the role of deputy mayor and is clearly quite capable of doing the job."

Accompanying Mr Fox on official engagements will be his fiancée Mia Walecka, whom he met while on a walking expedition, one of his favourite pastimes.

The new mayor also enjoys watching cricket and football and supports Millwall FC.

Internet users can keep up to date with the mayor's activities on his blog, which can be found by going on line and visiting www.brentbrain.org.uk/cllrralphfox .