A new mayor was introduced to Wolverhampton in a night of history at the city’s Wulfrun Hall.

Veteran St Peter’s councillor Surjan Duhra, who has completed 31 years worth of service in local government, became the first mayor of Wolverhampton to serve for the second time after a ceremony last night.

Councillor Durha, a married former teacher who left his native India with his family to work in factories in the UK, said it was “an immense privilege”. He said he would be using his 12-month term in office to bring the city’s different communities together. “Young people, in particular, have a vital part to play in this process – it is important we listen to what they say,” said Councillor Duhra, who was first mayor in 1991.

Cabinet member for planning Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett, a Liberal Democrat who represents Spring Vale, was elected deputy mayor and will take over as first citizen in May 2010.

Councillor Christine Mills, who spent the last year as mayor, said: “Every day for me was enlightening, enjoyable and exciting.”