Mayor’s musical ‘dream’

Published: 27 May 2010
by TOM FOOT

CAMDEN’S first “rock ’n’ roll” mayor was last night (Wednesday) crowned with a pledge that the borough will retain its status as the capital on Britain’s musical scene.

Wearing ceremonial robes and gold chain, Jonathan Simpson was confirmed in the role during one of the liveliest mayor-making ceremonies ever seen at the Town Hall.

In an opening speech, his fellow Labour councillor Theo Blackwell told the chamber: “In the immortal words of Spinal Tap, this Mayor turned it up to eleven. Rock on, Jonathan!”

Cllr Simpson named the Roundhouse Trust as his official charity, vowing that “every penny” raised from his work as the borough’s First Citizen would help Camden’s young musicians “fulfil their dreams”. The Camden Town charity helps youngsters access the arts.

“Music really can have an impact on the emotions of people,” said Cllr Simpson. “We have so many great venues – Kenwood, Koko, the Jazz Café, Dublin Castle. I want to encourage all young people to learn an instrument.”

He introduced the council to broadcaster Amy Lamé, who he met at a bar in Vauxhall, as  his “glamour-puss” Mayoress.

Ms Lamé told the New Journal: “I nearly fainted when Jonathan asked me to be his Mayoress. It will be an absolute honour. We’ve been friends for 15 years. All my early clubbing days were in Camden Town – most of all the Black Cap.”

With a harpist, songs from the London Gay Men’s Chorus and a rocking after party band – this was a ceremony with a difference, designed to blow cobwebs out of council offices and tear up the stereotypical image of the mayoralty. It only ended when the Chorus produced a rousing rendition of The Eagles hit Desperadoes.

The ceremony included speakers who name-checked personalities from local campaigners Silla Carron and Pamela Mansi to Camden music legends Amy Winehouse and Pink Floyd, and world leaders Mahatma Gandhi and JFK.

There were also tributes for former deputy mayor Lulu Mitchell.

She was reduced to tears as she recalled how her daughter had stepped up and “run her house” after she took on full mayoral duties two months ago.

“It has been wonderful – but I’m really looking forward to having a break,” she said. “Then we’ll see – I might come back fighting in four years’ time.”

There was a spontaneous standing ovation for Ms Mitchell, who lost her Gospel Oak council seat as Labour regained control of the Town Hall.

Cllr Nasim “Nash ” Ali was officially named leader of Camden Council. He said: “I expect all councillors to get out there and engage with the community.”

There was also time for touching tributes to former mayor Ron Heffernan – who Roger Robinson affectionately described as a “lovely comrade”  – and Haverstock councillor Syed Hoque.