THE new Mayor of Harrow has promised a celebration of diversity in his year in office as the first Muslim to hold the title.

Councillor Asad Omar was unanimously voted in last night as the next first citizen of the borough, and promised to all residents from across the borough regardless of ethnicity or religion.

He said: “Those who know me will know I don't believe in my side and your side – we are all on the same side, all elected by the people of Harrow, all 63 of us here to serve them.

“I have chosen the theme for this year as a celebration of diversity in Harrow as we are the most religiously diverse borough in the country.

“No two people are the same, their thoughts and experiences are all different and diverse, and as mayor I look to meet as many people and community groups from diverse backgrounds from all over the borough.”

Cllr Omar dedicated his appointment to his late wife Kausar, who passed away eight months ago, and he named her as his mayoress for the year as a tribute.

He said: “She has been my strength, my support, and the reason for me being here. The way she inspired me every single day can never be measured or forgotten.”

The Labour representative for Headstone South since 2002 was nominated for the role by Councillor Navin Shah, who praised his “belief in equality” and said he would “engage and inspire where ever he goes and whatever he does as Mayor”.

Fellow Muslim councillor Nizam Ismail said: “Cllr Omar is a prominent and highly respected person in the community, and today, by electing him as mayor, he is representing not only all the communities in the borough, but bringing pride and fame to the entire Muslim community home and abroad.”

Born in India and raised in Pakistan, Cllr Omar moved to the UK in 1977 and began work as a scientist.

He was a leading member of the Harrow Council for Racial Equality, was a founder member of the Harrow Bilingual Forum, and sat on numerous community groups including the Harrow Police and Community Consultative Group.

He named Ovarian Cancer Action as his mayoral charity, and said the main aim was to raise awareness of the charity and the work it does.

Cllr Omar is taking over from Councillor Eric Silver, who was praised at last night's meeting for the good humour and enthusiasm that he brought to the role during his year as mayor.

Labour's Councillor Mrinal Choudhury was last night elected as deputy mayor, and is now next in line for the job as first citizen of the borough in 2011/12.