Hounslow elects first ever ICG Mayor!

COUNCILLOR Dr. Genevieve Hibbs (right) was unanimously elected as the new Mayor of Hounslow by Borough Council last night.

Genevieve, who represents Isleworth ward, is the first ICG member and indeed the first independent ever to become Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow. Her election was supported by all Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, West Area Independent, Hounslow Independent Alliance and Chiswick Independent councillors, as well as of course by fellow members of the Community Group. Her Deputy will be Councillor Shirley Fisher, who replaces her ICG Syon ward colleague Councillor Caroline Andrews. Genevieve's nomination was proposed by myself and seconded by Councillor Peter Thompson, the Leader of the Council, who gave an excellent and moving speech in her support.

In her address to Borough Council, the new Mayor announced that "Communicating and Building Relationships" would be her theme for the coming year, an initiative which will greatly help realise the ICG's core objective of creating a more engaged and united community.

Another appointment of huge significance was that of my other fellow Isleworth ward councillor Paul Fisher to the Council's ruling Executive. Paul will take the leading role in driving the Empowerment agenda instigated by a successful motion which I put to Borough Council in March.

All of these appointments demonstrate the importance of the role which the ICG is playing in shaping the direction of the coalition administration. I would like to congratulate Genevieve, Shirley and Paul on their appointments and to wish them every success for the coming year.