A hotelier from a humble background has very big shoes to fill after becoming the mayor of Farnham.
The boy from Burnley has done good as George Murray accepted the mayoral chains last night at a packed town council meeting.
But he and others were also quick to praise the outgoing Brodie Mauluka – with the bass playing, ever-smiling musician and publican being lauded for bringing an “uber cool” presence to the role.
“It’s a great honour,” said Cllr Murray after donning the mayoral robes and taking his place at the head of the council chamber.
“For more to be standing here as mayor of my adopted town is beyond anything I could have imagined in life but it belongs to all those who walked this journey with me.”
He added: “Some of you may hope this role may shut me up for a year – I can’t promise that.
“But I do promise to serve you with energy and dedication and I look forward to serving you all as mayor.”
In addressing Cllr Mauluka and his tenure as mayor, he added: “What a marvellous job you did as mayor.
“It will be no easy task following in the footsteps of someone so well loved, respected and let’s be honest, so much fun.”
“You’ve been amazing,” said Reverend Sandy Clarke, who led opening prayers at the meeting, to Cllr Mauluka before hailing his music and compassion for young people.