SANDWELL councillors have appointed their first LGBT+ mayor this year, marking a monumental shift in the borough’s political history.

Councillors also voted for their first black deputy mayor to represent the borough.

Councillor Richard Jones (Labour, Old Warley) will be Sandwell’s mayor over the presiding municipal year. His consort is councillor Richard McVittie (Labour, Newton), his partner of over 16 years.

The mayor is the first citizen of Sandwell, and will preside over the meetings of the council. It is a non-political role. He will attend events across Sandwell, and represent the borough at functions outside Sandwell.

The deputy mayor for Sandwell is councillor Jackie Taylor (Labour, Greets Green and Lyng), pictured below. Her consort is her husband, Marvin Taylor. 

Halesowen News: Deputy mayor Jackie Taylor. Copyright Sandwell council. With permission for all LDRS to use.

Speaking in the council chambers in happy tears, mayor Jones said: “I’m extremely proud and honoured to become the mayor of Sandwell with my consort, councillor McVittie. It is especially poignant that this is happening 50 years after the first Pride protest.

“But to the majority of people my sexuality doesn’t matter. I’m pleased to say in Sandwell, we have a diverse society, mostly accepting all minorities. Like many LGBT+ people when I was younger, I used to hide being but now I’m out and I’m proud. 

“I hope that by being open and my authentic self, I will help those struggling to accept themselves in Sandwell and be their true self. I also believe that it is necessary to have permanent visibility of LGBT+ people and other minorities so that we are permanently accepted.”

Councillor Ellen Fenton (Labour, Bristnall), who nominated the new mayor, said: “I’m not alone in this chamber watching councillor Jones step up last year and effectively chair council meetings. 

“He’s used his fabulous sense of humour, his fairness, and his assertiveness, to temper the passions of the councillors in this chamber, and conduct council business in a fair and open way.

“We’ve also witnessed him lead the equalities commission in Sandwell and use his position of town lead to champion Oldbury town. Outside the chamber we’ve witnessed his resilience in the face of discrimination, as he’s continued to use his platform to champion minorities. 

“What we don’t see publicly is how that translates to people who are minorities. How he uses his example to create a place for them to unapologetically be themselves. An example that was needed to reassure and empower many people.”

Councillor Fenton ended her speech saying she was “grateful and hopeful” for councillor Jones to be “unapologetically” themselves while promoting civic pride. 

Deputy mayor Taylor said she was “honoured and humbled”.

She said: “This year is an exciting year for our borough. We will soon be enjoying celebrations of our Majesty’s platinum jubilee as well as swimming events of the Commonwealth Games at the [Sandwell] aquatics centre.

“I believe this mayoral team sends out a clear message that you can be who you are in Sandwell. The journey may not always be easy, but I can assure you that when you reach your goal, you will appreciate it even more.” 

In his outgoing speech, councillor Mushtaq Hussain, who was mayor from 2021-22, said: “Being mayor and councillor is more than anyone can ask in life.”

The first Kashmiri-Pakistani and Muslim mayor for Sandwell, councillor Hussain is set to retire and spend time with his grandchildren.