It’s not only London that has a new Mayor - there is a new Mayor of Camden following an official ceremony last night.
The new Mayor of Camden, Cllr Nadia Shah, has chosen the Anna Freud Centre in Hampstead as her official charity for the forthcoming year.
Cllr Shah, who represents Regent’s Park, was born and raised in Camden and succeeds Cllr Larraine Revah as the borough’s ‘first citizen’ .
She was officially appointed at the Town Hall last night in a ceremony which also saw Cllr Richard Cotton appointed as Deputy Mayor and confirmation of the council’s new cabinet.
Cllr Shah said: “I went to school in Camden and I’ve worked here for all of my working life and am very proud to take on the role of Mayor of Camden.
“Over the years I have worked with a number of organisations in Camden to improve access to services for the less able, disadvantaged and vulnerable. I look forward to using my time as Mayor to make a positive impact for those who need that extra support the most.”
Cllr Shah has been employed variously as a social worker and a youth worker, as well as working in investment banking. She has worked on community projects and with people fighting drug addiction.
She said: “My work has given me an insight into the struggles that people face in their lives, and the support needed for them to flourish. I’m passionate about helping people to get the most out of life – from basic rights, to enabling opportunity and equality.”
The Anna Freud Centre helps young people with mental health problems, offering clinical services and providing support to vulnerable families through work within homeless hostels, youth centres and schools in the borough.
The Duchess of Cambridge became patron of the Anna Freud Centre this February. The charity also has a branch in Islington and plans to open a research centre in Kings Cross in 2018.
Katy Vaughan, head of fundraising at the Anna Freud Centre, said: “We are delighted to have the support of the Mayor of Camden. We will continue to work with some of the most vulnerable children and families in the area and this recognition will help raise awareness of mental health issues. It will also be a fantastic boost to our fundraising efforts”.
During her year in office, outgoing Mayor, Cll Larraine Revah, undertook 572 engagements and raised almost £39,000 for her chosen charity, KIDS.
Cllr Richard Cotton has lived in Camden for 27 years, representing Camden Town and Primrose Hill since 2014. He worked in local government for nearly 40 years - starting in Camden before going on to spend 24 years advising four successive leaders of Brent Council.
He is currently the council’s ‘Carers’ Champion’ having helped to care for his disabled father for many years.
Cllr Cotton is a lifelong Spurs fan and an apparent Eurosceptic. He was one of just two Labour councillors to vote against a motion to support remaining in the EU at the last full council meeting.
The roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor are largely ceremonial, although the Mayor is also tasked with chairing the full council meetings throughout their time in office.
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