A ‘DEDICATED’ councillor held back the tears as she was sworn in as Warrington’s 135th mayor.

Mum-of-three Cllr Karen Mundry (LAB – Latchford East) officially took over the ceremonial chains during the full council meeting today, Monday.

She is the tenth woman to take up the role in the town, which comes on the centenary of when some women got the right to vote.

Cllr Steve Wright (LAB – Bewsey and Whitecross) said it gave him ‘great pleasure’ to propose Cllr Mundry to be the first citizen of the borough.

He added: “I know Karen, especially from my work in Latchford East – Karen has played an active part in many local groups there.

“Karen’s passion has always been voluntary work and especially work with children.

“Karen serves her community well as a hard-working and dedicated councillor.

“She understands the needs of our town and, more importantly, its residents.

“I know that Karen will make an excellent mayor and serve this town with pride and enthusiasm.

“I know she will do us proud, as she will do this town proud.”

Cllr Mundry, who is a grandmother to nine, held back the tears in the chamber.

She said: “It is made much more special today with my mum and dad being part of this occasion.

“I will do my utmost to respect and repay the trust put in me by my peers.”

Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats, spoke on behalf of his party.

He said: “I am particularly pleased we are going to have a female mayor when we have an anniversary of women’s suffrage.

“She is going to be a wonderful representative for Warrington and I give our group’s best wishes to her.”

Cllr Mundry first joined the council in 2002 and has served on a number of council committees, as well as being the first woman to represent Warrington on the Cheshire Fire Authority.

Cllr Mundry will be the second Mundry to be mayor, after her husband Hans fulfilled the role in 2005-06.

Her son, Jason, will be her consort supporting her in her mayoral year.

The new mayor has selected two main charities for her term – Warrington Disability Partnership and the Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace.

Cllr Wendy Johnson (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) was sworn in as deputy mayor during the meeting.