City's 165th mayor wants to inspire others

Linda Leach has taken office as mayor of Wolverhampton alongside her consort, husband Peter Mason

The 165th mayor of Wolverhampton has said she wants to inspire others to fulfill their dreams.

Linda Leach is the 12th woman to hold the post and said she would make ‘every person matters’ her theme for the year.

The Bilston North ward councillor said she wanted to raise money for Beacon Centre for the Blind, Wolverhampton Samaritans and Age UK Wolverhampton during her mayoral year.

As a councillor she has held senior roles including chair of the planning committee and cabinet member for adults.

She said she left school with only a handful of qualifications but went on to forge a successful business career as a single parent, eventually owning and running two hair and beauty salons in Wednesfield and Bilston.

She added she hopes her story will inspire others to believe be a success despite a challenging start in their lives.

Ms Leach said: “I came from very humble and difficult beginnings and found myself as a single parent at a young age to two wonderful boys.

“I got myself some training and vocational qualifications, I started as a mobile hairdresser and worked my way to having 2 salons and a successful business career.

“I would love to inspire others to fulfil whatever dreams they might have.”

She added: “I am blessed to have an amazing family, but I know that others are not so fortunate and may be lonely or struggling in other ways and I want them to know that they matter.

“We are at our strongest when we come together as a community and are there for each other.”