COUNCILLOR Sue Blatchford is the newly elected Mayor of Southampton.

The Woolston councillor was elected as the  798th mayor of the city yesterday during Southampton City Council’s first virtual Annual General Meeting.

Accepting the post the Labour councillor said she was very proud to be the mayor of “this wonderful city”.

“These are different times but I do still thank Councillor Kaur and Cllr Fitzhenry who have nominated me for this very special historical role in our city,” she added.

Cllr Blatchford, who was Mayor of Southampton in 2014-15, said this time her future activities as a mayor will depend on how the pandemic evolves but she stressed she will continue to support local charities.

Meanwhile, Peartree councillor Alex Houghton was appointed as sheriff.

During the meeting council leader Christopher Hammond was also formally re-elected as leader of the council.

He also announced the revised cabinet positions.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment was confirmed as deputy leader and cabinet member for customer and organisation while Cllr Lorna Fielker, who was already cabinet member for adult social care will add health to her portfolio.

Meanwhile, former health cabinet member Cllr Dave Shield will pick up the stronger communities portfolio , working closer with the police.

Other cabinet roles remain as follow: Cllr Satvir Kaur, member for culture and homes; Cllr Stephen Barnes-Andrew, member for finance and income generation; Cllr Steve Leggett, member for green city and place ; Cllr Darren Paffey, member for children and learning.