Brent elected its new mayor for the 2019/20 council year, welcoming Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi into the role.

He has made the step up from deputy mayor and will replace Cllr Arshad Mahmood.

Born in Anambra state, Nigeria, the Stonebridge ward councillor has served Brent since 2014 and said he was looking forward to working as its first citizen.

He said: “It is an amazing privilege and honour to be appointed as Mayor of Brent, and to serve this great borough that I have called home since 2004.

“In my mayoral year I hope to be able to work with all of Brent’s rich and diverse communities and look forward to raising money for my two amazing local charities.”

His chosen charities are the Sickle Cell Society, which supports and represents people affected by sickle cell disorder, and the Jason Roberts Foundation, a community charity for young people set up by former footballer and Brent native Jason Roberts.

Cllr Lia Colacicco, who represents Mapesbury ward, was elected as deputy mayor for the next council year.