London,
17
May
2017
|
18:30
Europe/London

Camden appoints its new Mayor for 2017 to 2018

Councillor Richard Cotton has been officially appointed as the new Mayor of Camden in a ceremony at Camden Town Hall.

Councillor Cotton, who represents Camden Town with Primrose Hill Ward, succeeds outgoing Mayor, Councillor Nadia Shah, as Camden’s new Mayor for 2017/18. 

The new Deputy Mayor is Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells.

Councillor Cotton was born within the sound of Bow Bells in the City of London and he has lived in London all his life including twenty seven years in Camden. He worked in local government in Camden and Brent whilst also obtaining a degree in Politics from the University of London.

He was elected as a councillor for the Camden Town with Primrose Hill ward in 2014 and he is currently the Council’s ‘Carers Champion’ having helped to care for his disabled father for many years.

“I will be championing the theme of ‘One Camden’, a borough which celebrates diversity based on engagement not separation. For centuries people have come here from across the world and all have made Camden what it is today.

“Unfortunately, increasing economic inequality and a shortage of affordable housing has led to increased social exclusion and homelessness. My fundraising efforts will be directed at working with the C4WS Homeless Project, which addresses homelessness in a holistic way, offering pathways into the settled community through employment and housing.”
Councillor Richard Cotton

C4WS Homeless Project is a grassroots charity that assists homeless people all year round, helping them to rebuild their lives. Opening their doors for the first time in January 2005, a group of seven churches took it in turns to provide free shelter and food for 13 of the coldest weeks of the year. Since then C4WS Homeless Project has expanded the shelters to support more people in crisis and evolved its services to become a project that combines this continued immediate support with real, long-term change.

C4WS Homeless Project said: “C4WS Homeless Project is delighted to be chosen as Mayor Cotton’s charity of the year. We are excited about our partnership and the headway we can make together in supporting those experiencing the devastating impact of homelessness.”

For more information about the Mayor of Camden visit www.camden.gov.uk/mayor

The third image shows Councillor Nadia Shah and Councillor Richard Cotton flying the rainbow flag in support of Camden's LGBT+ communities on International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia