Samata Khatoon on her big night at the Town Hall [Polly Hancock/Camden Council]

CAMDEN’s new first citizen has pledged to raise cash for two charities during her year as the borough’s mayor.

As the New Journal reported last week, Somers Town councillor Samata Khatoon accepted the mayoral chain at an all-member meeting in the council chamber meeting last week.

In her acceptance speech, she said she would spend the year raising money for Scene and Heard, which has a new base in Somers Town, and the New Horizons Youth Centre which she said “has a special place in my heart as a former trustee”.

She added: “Scene and Heard is a charity I’m passionate about. They provide incredible opportunities for children in Somers Town, allowing them to work with professional actors and to develop their creativity and confidence. My children have benefited greatly from taking part in Scene and Heard programmes. They gain lot more confidence.

“Both charities are truly impacting the lives of our children and young people in Camden. I’m filled with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment. I believe that as a mayor of Camden, I can continue to champion these causes and ensure that our community remains as vibrant, inclusive and diverse as ever.”

Cllr Khatoon has been a councillor for 14 years. “This is the role that I’ve never imagined would be possible,” she said. “I would like to thank my fellow councillors for believing in me.” T

he mayor-making meeting is where the traditional political duelling is suspended for an evening of celebration. Flowers are given out and councillors and staff enjoyed a curry and glass of wine together.

The leader of the opposition, Lib Dem councillor Tom Simon said of Cllr Khatoon: “They say that a week is a long time in politics – so 14 years of public service must be worthy of praise and commem­oration. “It’s it is a big, big deal what we do. It does make a difference. It is a great commitment – and 14 years of it is very significant.”

Earlier, Cllr Khatoon’s fellow ward councillor, Edmund Frondigoun, said: “Samata really stands out, for her ability to work for the community in a fair way. Not only has she supported the development of new affordable homes and new community facilities for people in St Pancras and Somers Town, but she’s also demonstrated the ability to work effectively in a cross-party manner.

“She led a cross-party committee to encourage more girls into sports in Camden, and address the challenges that they faced, which sometimes we don’t see, we don’t appreciate.

“She did a lot of work there, and it’s very pleasing to see young girls in St Pancras and Somers Town taking part in football – and a lot of that is down to the hard work that Samata did.”

Eddie Hanson is the deputy mayor for the next year [Polly Hancock/Camden Council]

Kilburn councillor Eddie Hanson will serve as her deputy mayor. The meeting also marked a farewell for outgoing Conservative leader Gio Spinella – who stepped down earlier this year and who has been replaced by by-election winner Steve Adams.

Again, with hostilities suspended for the night, Labour council leader Councillor Georgia Gould praised him for 14 year contribution.

“You always agree to disagree with great gusto,” she said, looking at him as he sat now on the green benches as a guest.

“You do exactly what you believed on any issue and always put your own principles I felt, above, political interests. “Even if it was probably not the best strategy in advancing your political career in the Conservative Party.”