New Mayor of Sunderland takes office

Ryhope ward member Coun Alan Emerson took over the chain of office from outgoing Mayor of Sunderland Coun Barry Curran at the city council's annual meeting at Sunderland Civic Centre this evening.

Coun Emerson and wife Jan have spent the last year as Deputy Mayor and Mayoress and and he said the experience had been invaluable.

"We have been hugely impressed by some of the people that we have met," he said.

"There was one man with a drug problem who had the courage to stand up in front of everybody and tell his story.

"And we have met loads of schoolchildren, which has been great - the Hudson Road science class looked after us very well."

He plans to use his year in office to promote Wearside far and wide:

"What I would hope to do in my year is the spread that message to everybody about what a great city Sunderland is in which to live, work and play," he said.

Coun Emerson will be succeeded in the role of Deputy Mayor by Castle ward member Coun Doris McKnight, with husband Keith as her consort.

This evening's annual meeting also ratified the membership of the council's ruling Cabinet and which members will be responsible for different functions within the authority.

Coun Paul Watson retains his role as Leader, after being appointed last year for a four-year period.

Coun Harry Trueman and Coun Mel Spedding retain their roles as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Secretary respectively.

Coun Louise Farthing tales over the Children's Services Portfolio from Coun Pat Smith, while Coun Graeme Miller has the Health Housing and Adults Services Portfolio.

Coun John Kelly has the Public Health, Wellness and Culture role, Coun Michael Mordey City Services and Coun Celia Gofton has responsibility for Responsive Services and Customer Care.