Express & Star

New Mayor sworn in

'Wolverhampton is second to none' were the inspiring word's of Councillor Elias Mattu, after being sworn in as the city's 159th mayor.

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Cllr Mattu

The councillor, who has represented the city’s Graiseley Ward for 17 years, has now taken on ceremonial duties for the 2017/18 calender after spending a year as deputy mayor.

The 58-year-old said: "I came to this great city, as many other families from Asia did, in the 1960s and 1970s.

"I was nine-years-old when I arrived and I've found when you come to Wolverhampton, you never want to leave."

The councillor takes on the role after admitting he'd been through a difficult year.

"Both my mother and father have died, as well as my sister and my nephew, which is very hard for a family over an 11 month period. Also my own health has not been great over the past 18 months.

"But I always say don't accept anything unless you can give in 100 per cent and that's what I'll do."

The deputy mayor, Councillor Phil Page, was also elected at the cabinet meeting.

Special thanks was given to the outgoing mayor, Councillor Barry Findlay, for the 500 engagements he'd carried out as mayor during his year in the role.