Haringey has a new mayor following an election last night.

Councillor Jennifer Mann was appointed mayor of Haringey last night at a special Haringey Borough Council meeting at Alexandra Palace in South Terrace, Alexandra Park.

The Hornsey ward councillor took up the chains of office after a performance by young musicians in the palace’s Palm Court.

Councillor Mann said: “I feel very fortunate to have the distinction of serving as mayor in a year in which the borough is marking its 50th anniversary.

“Haringey is a fantastic borough, and I feel that our story is often undersold.

“We have the world on our doorstep, the strength of which is shown in the incredible diversity and warmth of our communities and energy of our neighbourhoods.

“It is a place where people pull together, where people support each other, and I am greatly looking forward to seeing this first-hand in my mayoral year.”

The borough is building up to 50th anniversary celebrations this summer, and former councillors and MPs were present at the meeting.

Cllr Mann selected homelessness support group All People All Places as her charity for the year she will spend as mayor.

The mayor of Haringey is the elected chairman of the council and acts as its civic and ceremonial head, representing the borough at events and ceremonies across Haringey.

Cllr Ali Gul Ozbek, ward member for St Ann’s, will serve as Deputy Mayor.