6:31pm Wednesday 7th May 2008
By Manisha Mistry
A LOCAL politician is holding a double celebration after being made a deputy to the new Mayor of London.
Richard Barnes has been named the new statutory deputy Mayor by Mayor Boris Johnson, after he successfully retained his seat on the London Assembly as the member for Ealing and Hillingdon on Friday.
Mr Barnes, said: "It is amazing to be the deputy Mayor. I am extremely proud. My responsibilities will be community cohesion and regeneration. So overlooking everything that is happening across London alongside the Mayor."
"I will fully support the Mayor of London, in addressing the immense challenges facing London. Londoners deserve to live in a city we can all be proud of and I will work tirelessly to make the capital a better place to live and work for everyone.
"We all have the right to live in a safe, clean, prosperous city and every community plays a role in maximizing our city's success.
"It is an honour to have been appointed Deputy by the Mayor and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to make a real difference to one of the greatest cities in the world. "
The role means Mr Barnes will fill in for the Mayor when he has a holiday or if he falls ill.
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