Councillor Harbhajan Kaur Dheer donned the borough’s civic robes after being elected as the new Mayor at the annual council meeting in Ealing Town Hall on Tuesday, 12 May 2015.

Councillor Dheer has served the borough for 15 years, first as Deputy Mayoress in 2000-2001, and as the Mayoress in 2001-2002. She was first elected as a councillor for the Greenford Broadway ward in 2010 and chaired two scrutiny panels during her first term.

Her background in social work has featured throughout her career. She was an approved mental health professional when she left Surrey County Council in 2013.

Councillor Dheer is passionate about the rights of children and the elderly, particularly those with mental health conditions. She is also active in the community especially with groups working with Ealing's twinned towns.

She takes over from Councillor Tej Ram Bagha, who stepped down on Tuesday. During his year in office Councillor Bagha attended more than 500 official engagements and raised approximately £25,000 for his chosen charities, Age Link UK, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK.

The new Mayor’s charities include Age Link UK, Dementia Concern, Home Start and Save the Asian Elephants.

The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Ealing, Councillor Dheer, said: "I am honoured to accept this role as I take over from a fantastic mayor, friend and fellow councillor. I intend to immerse myself into my civic duties and work hard to raise the profile of my chosen charities."

"We have the privilege of living in a hugely diverse community in Ealing and I look forward to getting to know more about the borough and the people who live here in my role as Mayor over the next year."

At the meeting, Councillor Dr Patricia Walker was appointed Deputy Mayor.