Coventry’s new Mayor appointed from her own home
A UNIQUE ‘virtual ceremony’ has seen Coventry’s new Lord Mayor appointed from her own home due to coronavirus social distancing measures.
Cllr Linda Bigham passed on the baton to former council leader Cllr Ann Lucas during an unusual Extraordinary General Meeting on Thursday.
She described it as an “honour to be made Lord Mayor of my beloved city”.
The ceremony is normally held at Coventry Cathedral but took place via a Microsoft Teams video meeting which was live-streamed on Youtube.
The new Lord Mayor said: “We all love our city and as we emerge from these difficult times we have a brilliant opportunity to show why.
“I know the future months will be a little different and there are challenges ahead.
“With our role as UK City of Culture on the horizon and with the work that has already started to transform our city and make it even stronger, I know we can shine on a national and international stage.
“Our welcoming multi-cultural city of peace can be a role model for others.
“We are the phoenix city and we have risen from adversity before.”
The 70-year-old, who has two children and six grandchildren, was born in Coventry and has lived in the city her whole life.
She has served as a Labour Coventry City Council ward councillor for Bablake between 1995-99 and has represented Holbrook since 2000.
She was the first female leader of the authority between 2013 and 2016.
Her husband Ray will sit alongside her as consort during her year as Lord Mayor, with Cllr John Mcnicholas serving as Deputy Lord Mayor.
She said she hopes to use her role in office to help raise the issue of domestic violence.
She lists reading, dancing, and socialising among her interests, alongside Coventry City Football Club, having watched her first game at Highfield Road in 1962, although later presiding as leader of the council when the club became homeless following the controversial sale of the Ricoh Arena to Wasps rugby club.
Cllr Rachel Lancaster paid tribute to her “no-nonsense way of dealing with issues head-on”, while Cllr Gary Ridley said he “can’t think of a better person to be civic leader to lead our city through these terrible times”.
Leader of the council also paid tribute to retiring Lord Mayor Cllr Linda Bigham and her consort Kerry.
“The way they have conducted themselves show the very best of Coventry,” he said.
“They have carried out their functions with integrity, humility, thoughtfulness and have time for everyone they have met.
“They have made a lasting impression.”
Cllr Bigham added: “It has been such an honour to represent the city that has been my home for over 50 years. I know the chains of office will be in safe hands. Cllr Lucas has been a wonderful worker and representative for our city and it’s people.”