By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Independent Councillor Adrian Graham is the new first citizen of Gloucester and the first black mayor to be elected to take up the role in its 798-year history.
Adrian Graham, 39, who represents Matson, Robinswood and White City as a Community Independent councillor, said he was “truly honoured” to become the city’s 546th person to take up the post.
While Liberal Democrat Anne Radley (Elmbridge) has been elected as the new Sheriff and Deputy Mayor of Gloucester.
Cllr Graham, who is also a DJ, told the meeting he “never expected to become a councillor, let alone mayor”.
And explained he is “just a normal guy, a father, a husband, a guy who likes playing music and creating nostalgic moments for people”.
His group leader Alastair Chambers (Matson, Robinswood and White City) put forward his nomination at the council meeting on May 18 which was seconded by Liberal Democrat Rebecca Trimnell (Westgate).
“Tonight is a historic occasion for our city, by appointing Adrian Graham, Gloucester is given the opportunity to welcome its first black mayor and the first Independent mayor of Gloucester,” Cllr Chambers said.
“A moment that reflects not only the diversity of our city but also the strength and independent voices of our community-led leadership.”
He said that Cllr Graham’s story is one about “resilience, service and hard work” and a “genuine passion for Gloucester and its people”.
And said he was born in Peterborough, before moving to the city at the age of four.
“Gloucester is the city that raised him, shaped him, became his home,” he said.
“He attended St Paul’s Primary School and also Widden Primary Schools before going on to [Central Technology College].
He said he has always had a strong work ethic and had been a youth support worker, group facilitator, support worker, service manager and eventually got the status of registered manager in care services.
“He is a former pub landlord and local event organiser, roles that brought people together and strengthened community spirit within Gloucester,” he added.
“Perhaps, uniquely, Adrian may well be the first mayor of Gloucester’s history of switching [to] civic roles from his dance hall reggae nights.”
Cllr Graham thanked fellow councillors for their support and congratulated the former mayor and sheriff for their “wonderful work”.
“I think there are going to be a lot of people in Gloucester wondering how a DJ ended up becoming a mayor,” he said.
“But this city has always been full of unexpected stories.
“My story? Me and my mum came to Gloucester when I was just four years old away from my brother and sister at the time. Just me and my mum.
“My first memories of Gloucester were living in a big building filled with women and children. I didn’t understand back then all I remember was wanting to be around my mum.”
He explained his first ever emotional attachment to Gloucester was safety.
“As my mum got back on her feet, she later worked for Gloucester Charities Trust as a warden and we moved into St Bartholomew’s opposite Gloucester Park.
“That’s where most of my memories were made growing up and where I was reunited with my brother and sister, who I’m still very close with today.”
He said he left Gloucester for three years before he turned 30 and moved to London which helped him grow professionally but it taught him he “missed Gloucester deeply”.
And he returned to the city with less money than he left with “which proves sometimes what you are looking for isn’t somewhere bigger, sometimes it’s a place that already feels like home. And Gloucester is my home.
“Today, for me, isn’t just about chains. Although this chain is beautiful, it’s not about robes, ceremony, it’s about people.
“The people who make Gloucester what it is.”
He told the meeting he “never expected to become a councillor, let alone the city’s mayor”.
“No disrespect to anyone here attending today, but we are not the heart of Gloucester, the people are.
“The truth is, I’m just a normal guy, a father, a husband, a guy who likes playing music and creating nostalgic moments for people.
“I never expected any of this.”
He said he never expected to be the first Independent mayor in the city’s history.
“That’s why this role means so much to me,” he said. “I understand what every day life looks like to everyday people in this city.
“I’ve never been the loudest person in the room. And in politics, that can sometimes be seen as a weakness.
“But I’ve learnt you don’t build community by shouting over people. You build it by listening to them.
“I may not have the loudest voice, but I do have the heart to bring people together and build on what already makes this city great.
“I also look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our various formal civic events.
“So, ladies and gentlemen, officers, fellow councilors and members of the public, my beautiful wife and consort Kirsty, and most importantly, mum.
“I’m truly honoured to serve as your mayor this year. And I promise I will do my utmost to highlight the beauty, strength and heart of this incredible city.”
Cllr Graham said he has chosen The Venture in White City and Great Ormond Street Hospital as his two charities for the year.
He will be on a mission this year to highlight the city’s heroes, those volunteers and charities who help behind the scenes with very little support.