Lib Dems celebrate Cllr Morgan-Watts appointment as Mayor of Hounslow

2.34.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd May 2007

Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Andy Morgan-Watts

Liberal Democrats last night celebrated the appointment of Cllr Andy Morgan-Watts as Mayor of Hounslow. Andy has been a Lib Dem councillor for nine years and is Hanworth born and bred. The Mayor's charities will be Shooting Star Hospice, Cancer Research UK and the Hounslow branch of the Alzheimer's Society. In a lively council meeting the Mayor introduced his mascot for the year - a yellow elephant called Sunflower.

Proposing Cllr Andy Morgan Watts for Mayor, Cllr Andrew Dakers said:

"Andy has had many interests in his years as councillors but has particularly concentrated on the concerns and rights of young people. Andy has also been a passionate advocate of the benefits of scrutiny in effective decision-making and like many of us has got to know councillors from across the political spectrum through this aspect of council business.

"Whilst a loyal Liberal Democrat I'd think its fair to say that Andy is acutely aware, and has long recognised, that in our active interest in our local communities as councillors we usually have more in common, than our party political differences.

"[Tonight] marks a historic occasion for the Liberal Democrats in that Andy will be our first Mayor of Hounslow.

"As previous speakers have said Cllr Barwood has raised the bar high this year. However with such a diverse range of interests I am confident that Andy will be a worthy successor -- an energetic and powerful advocate for the London Borough of Hounslow and a unifying force for this council.

"I am also sure that as he travels the borough he will take the same time and interest as you Madame Mayor in listening to the challenges faced by the organisations and individuals that make up our borough and importantly celebrating their many achievements.

"When he needs support he will no doubt be ably assisted by the equally persistent and inquisitive Cllr Caroline Andrews as his deputy."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For the full text of Cllr Dakers proposal speech visit:

http://www.hounslowlibdems.org.uk/speeches/000004.html

About the Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Andy Morgan-Watts...

Andy trained as a Police Officer at the famous Hendon Police College, but in the third year opted instead to work as a Life Guard at various pools and leisure centres. A member of the Swimming Teachers Association he qualified as a Swimming Instructor and moved to his local pool on Uxbridge Road, Hanworth.

He was subsequently involved in the launch of The Evening Mail newspaper in Hanworth and its promotion throughout London Borough of Hounslow. For the past 20 years he has made a career in the London Borough of Richmond as an officer in Trading Standards.

Andy is a past chair and active member of Forge Lane Parent Teachers Association. He has served on all three of Hanworth's primary School governing bodies most recently concentrating his energies at Crane Park School.

Over the years Andy has actively supported a wide range of Hanworth community organisations: He set up the Hanworth Neighbourhood Network Volunteers, as well as the South Hanworth Neighbourhood Watch; and he has chaired the Hanworth Carnival Executive Committee for three years - an annual community celebration that he has been involved in for almost all of its 50 years.

Andy has found time for Scouting too. He first joined the Scouts as an eight year old and as an adult spent several years as member of the Middlesex Scout County Team as Assistant County Commissioner. He was founder and past chair of the Feltham & District Scout Fellowship.

Andy is an active member of St Richards Church in Hanworth. He has served on the Hanworth Parish Church Council and area Synod for many years. He has also long supported The Shooting Star Trust.

His other interests include his car - he is the proud owner of 'SMILE' a vintage Austin 7.