LEICESTER'S FIRST MUSLIM MAYOR SWORN IN

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Leicester's first Muslim Mayor sworn in

The city's first Muslim Lord Mayor was sworn in at a ceremony held at the Town Hall last night.

In a traditional inauguration, Councillor Abdul Osman was officially made Lord Mayor of Leicester at Leicester City Council's annual meeting, held in the Town Hall's chambers.

Coun Osman, who joined the city council in 1996, takes over from Councillor Rob Wann.

Coun Osman said: "It's an important year, with the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, so it's a privilege for me to hold office with everything that's going on.

"I want to focus on visiting the communities and raising the profile of the office of Lord Mayor. I'm proud to be the first Muslim councillor to hold the position – we've had Christian, Hindu, Sikh and now I'm able to bring the Islamic faith to the office which is a great honour."

Each year, the new mayor nominates a charity which he will raise money for.

Coun Osman has chosen the stroke unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and is aiming to raise £60,000 for the cause.

He said: "I feel as if it's quite a symbolic issue because it affects everyone regardless of their age, colour or background – and our city is one of the most diverse communities in the country."

COUNCIL PRAYERS FACE HIGH COURT HEARING

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Council prayers face High Court hearing

A High Court date is expected to be set within weeks whether councils should say prayers before meetings.

The National Secular Society says it is concerned that many local councils start their meetings with Christian prayers.

Papers were lodged at the High Court last year for a judicial review. A hearing date is imminent.

Last month newly-elected city Lord Mayor Rob Wann decided to reintroduce prayers before monthly full council meetings after previous office-holder Colin Hall stopped the practice.

A Leicester City Council spokesperson said: "There is a long tradition of the sitting Lord Mayor choosing whether or not to have prayers at the start of a council meeting and that we see no reason why that should not continue."

A Leicestershire County Council spokesman said: "We're aware of the issues surrounding council prayers and for this reason, lead a short, multi-faith prayer before council meetings which was introduced in 1974."

A secular society spokesman said: "If some council members wish to pray, we think that should be a private matter for themselves and there is no problem with them doing so before council meetings."