Yash named borough's new mayor (From Thurrock Gazette)

Yash named borough's new mayor

3:15pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in News

VETERAN councillor Yash Gupta is the new mayor of Thurrock.

The Labour councillor, who has represented residents in the Grays Thurrock ward for the last 16 years, was elected at the full council meeting last night.

Cllr Gupta, who served as deputy mayor last year, came to Britain from India in 1966, and moved to Thurrock in 1974 to work as an educational psychologist.

He said he was “humbled but honoured” to become the borough’s first citizen, and added: “It is a great emotional and historic occasion for me and my family who came to Britain in 1966 from India with high expectations and we have seen ups and downs during all these years.

“But I would like to pay tribute to the great British values of democracy and tolerance which made it possible for me to be elected this evening.”

Cllr Gupta said his focus for his year in office will be promoting community engagement.

He said: “As a Councillor I have been heavily involved with the community, voluntary and faith sector.

“This year is a special one for celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics and Paralympics.

“Over 30 street parties are planned across Thurrock for celebrating Diamond Jubilee and on July 6 we are celebrating the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay.

“This provides key opportunities to local people to join together and take pride in the borough as we benefit from a national, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

“T-Fest 12 is another exciting community event for our residents to enjoy over the Jubilee bank holiday.

“I always believed that participation in cultural and sportive events creates community cohesion and I will be promoting these events throughout the year.”

Cllr Gupta’s wife, Pushpa, will be the borough’s mayoress, and the mayoral charities will be the Thurrock Community Chest and St Luke’s Hospice.

Labour cllr Tony Fish was elected deputy mayor, he named his twin sister, Susan Bradish, the deputy mayoress.