New Sandwell mayor to retire from job to focus on civic duties
The new civic leader has announced she will retire from her job as a GP this summer after she was elected Mayor of Sandwell.
Dr Ann Jaron, who has represented the Abbey ward on Sandwell Council for 23 years, was elected as the new mayor of the borough on Tuesday.
Dr Jaron, who turns 60 next month, immediately announced that she would retire from her Edgbaston practice in August, in order to devote more time to her new civic duties. Her consort for the year will be her sister Eve Keeling.
Members of Dr Jaron’s family, including cousins who had travelled over from New Zealand, were in attendance as she was sworn into the role.
During the meeting, she announced that her two chosen mayoral charities for the year would be Sandwell Young Carers and Brushstrokes – based in Smethwick.
She said: "After 23 years as an elected member of Sandwell Council, I am honoured that colleagues have chosen me to be Mayor for the coming year.
"Many people ask how I manage both roles and it is quite difficult to juggle them. I reduced to a part time role but feel a little bit more time would be quite nice.
“I turn 60 next month and have decided to retire from my role as a GP in August which will give me more time to fulfil my duties.
"I will do my best to represent the interests of Sandwell during the coming year and to be fair when presiding at meetings. Thank you again for this privilege."
Oldbury ward Councillor Suzanne Hartwell was elected the new Deputy Mayor of Sandwell.
Tributes and votes of thanks were also given to outgoing mayor and deputy mayor, Joy Edis and Carol Goult.
