New Camden mayor begins busy year of public engagements

NEW mayors in Barnet, Camden and Haringey attended their first formal engagements this week while those they replaced returned to a life of normality. In Camden, Labour s Nural Islam was already enthusiastic for his work ahead. The Camden Town father of

NEW mayors in Barnet, Camden and Haringey attended their first formal engagements this week while those they replaced returned to a life of normality.

In Camden, Labour's Nural Islam was already enthusiastic for his work ahead.

The Camden Town father of two said: "I have been to a few engagements already and I really enjoyed them. I am looking forward to what lies ahead and meeting other people throughout the borough."

Mr Islam, who was elected in 2006, was surprised at his selection as deputy last year which guaranteed his mayor-making this month.

"I don't think my colleagues would select me but I have been working in the community for a long time. I moved over from Bangladesh in 1979 but was always political. My father and grandfather were councillors and my uncle was an MP and I was very involved in student politics."

Outgoing mayor Dawn Somper handed over more than £25,000 to her chosen charity Sense, which supports both the deaf and blind. Cllr Islam has chosen Coram, the children's charity.

Cllr Somper thanked those who had supported her, and said: "It's been such a great pleasure getting out and about to meet so many wonderful people in our borough."

In Barnet, Cllr John Marshall took the reigns from Cllr Maureen Braun and in Haringey Cllr Sheik Thompson departed and Cllr Alan Dobbie stepped in.