THE CITY’S new Mayor has vowed to ensure Worcester’s most vulnerable residents are not neglected after being handed the ceremonial chains.
Coun Alan Amos has replaced Coun Pat Agar in the role after he was voted in at Worcester City Council’s annual meeting last Tuesday (June 3).
The Warndon councillor, who dramatically quit the Labour Party to run as an independent just two days before the vote on the leadership of the council, spoke of his delight at being handed the position, which he will hold for a year.
He described it as the ‘highest honour bestowed’ in Worcester and he said he would hope to be recognised as a ‘people’s Mayor’.
“I intend to reach out to every section of society in this city,” he said. “But in particular I would like to support the elderly and the people who live in the city’s areas of highest need.
“I intend to invite pupils from our local schools along to the Mayor’s Parlour for a series of afternoon teas in an attempt to generate some interest in civic affairs, which is sadly lacking today.”
Coun Amos, who has selected his sister-in-law Susan to be the Mayoress, said he would also be looking to raise funds for charities which would benefit a veterans organisation and Worcester Cathedral.
His nomination did come as a surprise to the Labour group, who lost control of the council, but Coun Roger Knight, who was voted in as Deputy Mayor, said there was no better time to elect an independent Mayor.
“You can laugh all you like, but Alan has experience of both major parties,” Coun Knight said. “He is neither Labour nor Conservative and I am sure his independence will allow him to use his vote in the most appropriate way to ensure the best decisions are made for our city.”
Coun Andy Roberts said he was proud to nominate Coun Amos for Mayor of Worcester as he believed he would do all he could to promote the city.
“He is a person which we can rely on to do his duties with integrity and dignity,” he added. “He will make an excellent Mayor and he will put his own personality on the role.”
