Councillor Anthony Kelly was inaugurated as the new Mayor of Ealing at a special annual meeting of the full council on Tuesday 13 May.

Councillor Kelly, a lifelong resident of the borough and last year’s deputy mayor of Ealing, was first elected as a councillor to Greenford Green ward in 2014.

He spent most of his early life in Hanwell and moved to Greenford in 1999, where he lives today with his wife Maria and 19-year-old son, Luke. He will be supported by Maria during his mayoral year.

First citizen

Councillor Kelly said: “As a lifelong resident of the borough of Ealing, living in Hanwell and making my home in Greenford for last 20 years with my wife and son, I’m so pleased to now be the first citizen of the borough.

“I enjoyed being deputy to the outgoing mayor, Councillor Yvonne Johnson, and I look forward to the many engagements I will attend and the opportunity to highlight the work charities, and other organisations, across the borough’s seven towns do.”

The new mayor will be assisted in his duties by Councillor Faduma Mohamed who was appointed deputy mayor.

Before entering public office, Councillor Kelly built a career in transport and property, and more recently worked as a community transport driver.

One of the new mayor’s chosen charities is Ealing Soup Kitchen – a charity which has been helping the homeless, lonely and vulnerable since 1973. It provides warm clothes for those in need, free haircuts and showers, and offers help and support.

Ealing Council leader Peter Mason said, “Councillor Kelly has been a deeply rooted figure in our community and with his appointment he brings a wealth of lived experience, compassion and public service to the mayoralty.

“I know he will serve the entire borough with pride, humility and unwavering commitment.”

The ceremonial mayoral role will see Councillor Kelly represent the borough at civic and community events throughout the year, acting as a key figurehead for the local community and promoting the values and interest of residents.