New Mayor welcomed at Hillingdon Council

Cllr Colleen Sullivan was officially elected as the new Mayor of Hillingdon, replacing outgoing Mayor, Cllr Shehryar Ahmad-Wallana as the borough's ceremonial and civic head for the forthcoming year. 

The role of the Mayor is an important one: They act as a symbol of authority, indicated by the ceremonial robes and chains of office, and also as a connection between the history of the borough and the present day, showing its continuity over the years.

The position is also a symbol of open society, with the Mayor hailing from any class, gender or ethnic background.  And lastly, it is an expression of social cohesion. Over the course of the year the Mayor will attend numerous engagements across the borough, connecting with residents from all walks of life and building a sense of unity.

Cllr Sullivan will be accompanied during official duties by the new Mayoress, Anne Robinson. During Thursday's meeting Cllr Philip Corthorne was also voted to the position of Deputy Mayor.

Speaking of her appointment, Cllr Sullivan, said: "I am excited about serving the community as the Mayor of Hillingdon. I am looking forward to a busy and exciting year ahead full of wonderful vibrant events.

"My aim during my Mayoral year is to form new friendships, partnerships and highlight the fascinating history of this great borough and how we can all play a part in its past and its future."

One of the new Mayor's first big events where she'll get a chance to meet residents in person will be the Mayor's Picnic in the Park, which takes place in Barra Hall Park, Hayes, on Saturday 29 June.

Cllr Sullivan has been a Hillingdon resident for more than 40 years and was first elected as a councillor mid-term in Hillingdon East in 2020 and in May 2022 was re-elected to represent the same ward.

She believes her strong local community connections will ably equip her for the year ahead and show how she's fully invested in the borough and its people.

She said: "I have always enjoyed getting involved with local initiatives and events and have a close association with the local residents' association, local shopkeepers and am very much embedded in the community.

"I am the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for my area and a member of the local Ward Panel and Safer Neighbourhood Board and I am a regular worshipper at All Saints Church, Hillingdon."

Cllr Sullivan has chosen two charities to fundraise for during her mayoral year. Those are local radio station, Radio Hillingdon, and Royal Brompton & Harefield Arts (Hillingdon Branch), which supports young people from Hillingdon diagnosed with lung and breathing problems and their families through music.

In her leisure time, Cllr Sullivan enjoys music, reading and is an avid sports fan, following rugby, cricket, football and motor racing.

Looking back at his year filled to bursting with engagements and events of all kinds, all over the borough, outgoing Mayor, Cllr Ahmad-Wallana, said: "It truly has been an exemplary year, and I can say without hesitation that I have had the time of my life.

"Meeting residents, reaching out to the business community through work as the Mayor and uniting every portion of the community as a one community, through supporting diversity in the borough have been the highlights of my tenure and deeply rewarding."

If you'd like to invite the Mayor to attend an event that you are organising, please use our online form, or email mayor@hillingdon.gov.uk.