Monday 19th May 2014

In a sometimes emotional evening, in front of family and friends last Wednesday, 14th May, Cllr Alexis Diouf became the 374th Mayor of Chesterfield.

A local councillor since 2003, Senegal-born Alexis (left), had previously told The Chesterfield Post that he was very much looking forward to becoming Chesterfield's First Citizen - having lived in the town for over 33 years after marrying a local lady, Vickey-Anne.

Cllr Ray Russell, Leader of the Lib Dem party, made the nomination at Wednesday's council meeting, telling the Chamber that he was "Very proud to be nominating Chesterfield's very first black African Mayor."

Cllr Russell went on to pay tribute to Cllr Diouf, telling the story of how he had been "The first member of his family to go to school - and had to walk 12 miles a day, to and from, in order to gain an education" joking that, "It had been really brilliant training for his later political career - tramping round the streets looking for votes!"

Despite their political differences, Cllr Diouf was revealed to be a good and longtime friend of former MP Tony Benn with Cllr Russell saying that "Respect had always prevailed."

Praising Cllr Diouf's contribution to local political life, Cllr Russell referred to him as a "Thoughtful and reliable decision maker, who had shown the strength of character to be a suitable candidate to be Mayor of the Borough."

Seconding the nomination, Leader of the Council, John Burrows added that he was "Honoured to second Cllr Alexis Diouf's selection and endorse everything Cllr Russell has said. They will make an excellent First Citizens."

Talking of Vickey-Anne, Cllr Burrows told the Chamber that she was a Cestrefeldrian by birth, having been born on Walgrove Road and, having met Alexis whilst they were both in Canada visiting relatives, had then pursued him to Senegal where Alexis realised she was serious about him!"

The rest as they say, is history and, after a career here and abroad in teaching and, with family now grown with families of their own, Vickey-Anne has recently set up a choir and begun teaching French to nursery children. She also runs her own cake making business.

Cllr Burrows ended by wishing the new Mayoress, "A joyous year standing alongside Alexis."

After a unanimous vote around the Chamber, Cllr Diouf was duly elected Mayor - and taken to the Parlour to be robed.

On his return he made his first speech of the Mayoral year, and in a heartfelt and self depreciating tribute, began by saying, "Who would have thought that the little boy chasing goats in Senegal would end up here today?"

His Worship then added that "Various circumstances have collided to get me here today. Senegal gave me the education and I am delighted to see the High Commisioner of Senegal here today and I'd like to thank the people of Chesterfield for adopting me."

He went on to pay tribute to those who had inspired him in his professional life, singling out the late Cllr (and former Mayor) Nicky Qazi, "He was my mentor when I began and I will be grateful to him forever. Thank you too to Cllr Rusell for the nomination - when he was talking I wondered if he was really talking about me?"

The new Mayor of Chesterfield went on to pay tribute to his upbringing, saying that his dad hadn't wanted him to go to school, "As the eldest, I would have been more use to him in the fields than 'wasting my time' in school!

"Education opened doors for me. My parents taught me that the world doesn't owe me a living. I am sorry that my mum couldn't be here today, but I am glad my sister is here."

He ended by saying that he, "Is prepared to do whatever it takes to make Chesterfield proud of me - everything I have is here in Chesterfield."

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of the Council, then thanked the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Paul Christopher Stone and Mayoress Mrs Barbara Wallace - and they were presented with a record of their Mayoral year - along with Former Mayor and Mayoress badges.

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