Pinay named mayor in UK borough

MANILA, Philippines  — A Filipina has been sworn in as the new mayor of Hertsmere borough, an administrative district located north of London in the United Kingdom.

Councillor Cynthia Barker, former Hertsmere deputy mayor, was appointed to the post during the borough’s virtual annual council meeting conducted online on June 24.

“While it is disappointing that we weren’t able to mark the moment in the usual way, I am still so proud and honored to take on this role,” Barker was quoted as saying in a report on the Hertsmere’s website.

“I’m fully aware of the importance of the role of mayor at this time of uncertainty, fear and sadness for so many. The mayor serves as a figurehead for the whole of the Hertsmere community and can really help to bring people together,” she added.

First elected councillor in 2015, Barker is the first Philippine-born individual to hold office in the administrative district. She was reelected in a hotly contested poll last year.

During her year as mayor, Barker would be raising money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the leading UK charity preventing child abuse and supporting those affected.

She will serve as mayor until next year, taking over from fellow councillor Rabbi Alan Plancey.

Born in Laguna, Barker has been a long-time resident of Hertsmere, where she has been active in various initiatives, including among the Filipino community.

She is a consultant specializing in immigration law, advising companies, families and individuals on Home Office rules.

Barker was named among the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women of the World recognized by the Filipina Women’s Network in 2017.

Last year, Filipino-born nurse Danilo Favor was named town mayor of East Grinstead in Sussex, south of England in the UK. He has been a councillor since 2011.

Except in some districts where mayors are directly elected and have real powers, the office of the mayor in the UK is generally ceremonial. Mayors are selected by their fellow council members.