Ray Hassall is the man who has been named as Birmingham’s Lord Mayor for 2015/16, but who is Ray Hassall?
Lord Mayor Elect Ray Hassall
Life as a Liberal Democrat Councillor
Hassall has been a Liberal Democrat Councillor since 1990 and works in the Perry Barr constituency alongside his colleagues Karen Trench and John Hunt.
This new role will see him take over from current Lord Mayor Shafique Shah at the end of May.
His time in office is due to expire in 2016, but during the 26 years he has been in office, he has played a very active role within his community.
Hassall has gained a great reputation within Perry Barr thanks to the work he does; including walking the streets of Perry Barr, meeting with the residents. and gaining their trust. These actions enable him to learn of issues that have arisen as well as hearing their opinions on present and future services provided within their area.
His work does not stop there though. He continuously meets with individuals and community groups to work with them on their campaigns for improvements within the ward.
All three liberal democrat councillors have identified the key issues which they will be addressing in preparation for the next election.
Liberal Democrat councillor Jon Hunt, councillor for Perry Barr, said: “The main issues we hear about are the state of the streets, litter dumping and potholes. I’ve also had a large number of inquiries recently about the introduction of wheelie bins which has not been handed well.”
The end as Cabinet Member for leisure,sport and culture
Despite this somewhat positive reputation that he has gained, Hassall’s time in office has not always been a happy one.
In May 2009, Birmingham Mail reported on his sacking from his three-year role as Cabinet Member for leisure, sport and culture.
According to the paper, he found himself under fire for raising golf fees by 25% in order to cover an £800,000 budget shortfall and failed to convince his colleagues that he could provide a 50 metre swimming pool ready for the 2012 olympics.
The sacking occurred following false support from a key member of the council who instead was Hassall’s opponent in running for Cabinet Member.
Following his previous role as Cabinet Member for leisure, sport and culture, Hassall has decided to use his new role to promote fitness calling himself the ‘jogging Lord Mayor’.
In the words of a journalist. 