The new Mayor of the City and District of St Albans chosen to champion community engagement for his year in office.

Cllr Mohammad Iqbal Zia was elected to be mayor at the annual meeting on Wednesday, May 24.

The Ashley ward councillor chose “Your Community – Our Community” as his theme for the mayoral year to highlight the good work the council does for the public.

Mayor Zia has been a councillor since 2007, and stood as Deputy Mayor in 2008/9.

He said: “I also feel very passionate about supporting young people with emotional, social and educational needs and have selected Youth Talk as my charity for the year.

“It provides a much-needed counselling and support service for young people.

“I plan to host a series of fundraising events to help the charity continue with this work.”

He works as a careers advisor at Youth Connexions, Catherine Street to young people not in education, employment or training by providing them with information and guidance.

At the Council meeting on Wednesday, the new Mayor took the opportunity to express sympathy for the families affected by the bombing at Manchester Arena.

He said: “My heartfelt condolences go to all who lost their loved ones and those who were injured in this terrible attack on the most vulnerable in our society.

“The community of St Albans District is caring and we stand together in support of the people of Manchester at this upsetting and difficult time.”

The father-of-three married wife Farhat - who will be supporting him in his engagements this year - in 1982 after moving from Pakistan to St Albans.

He takes over as Mayor from Cllr Frances Leonard.

District Councillor for Colney Heath Cllr Jamie Day will serve as Deputy Mayor with support from his wife Liz.

For more information about mayoral engagements contact the mayor’s office on 01727 819544 or mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk.