Cllrs Eslamdoust and Francis at last year’s event

CAMDEN’S mayor has been asked to stay in the role for another 12 months with the annual handover cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

Under normal circumstances, Maryam Eslamdoust would have been due to pass on the chain to her deputy, Sabrina Francis, at a ceremony on Wednesday.

But with only certain meetings being held over video call technology during the virus lockdown, the annual meeting has been scrapped. Cllr Francis will now be offered the chance to take over as the borough’s mayor next May.

Cllr Eslamdoust has been raising money for Solace Women’s Aid during her time as mayor but community appearances and fund-raising opportunities have been limited since the end of March.

Other local authorities are appointing new mayors but offering the chance to do a two year stint.