Loud cheers rang out across High Wycombe this afternoon as a new town mayor was officially weighed-in surrounded by a crowd of people.
The ancient mayor making tradition saw Conservative councillor Zia Ahmed – dressed in the ceremonial robes and chains – paraded in front of shoppers before taking his seat on the scales.
Following centuries of traditions the new mayor and other town dignitaries were weighed in front of the crowds, who were encouraged to jeer if people were found to have “porked out” over the last year.
Speaking to the Bucks Free Press afterwards, Cllr Ahmed said: “I think everything went well and to plan and I’m really pleased to be the mayor of this town.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime and I’m so happy, to see so many people here to support us is a great feeling.”
He added: “I’m really looking forward to the next year.”
The new mayor, his wife and deputy mayor (Cllr Maz Hussain) all proved popular with the crowd after it was revealed they had not added on any weight in the last year.
And retiring mayor, Mohammed Hanif, received one of the loudest cheers of the day after the town crier gleefully shouted ‘and no more’ for the Labour councillor.
Many years ago, the crowds would through fruit at the mayor and dignitaries who had put on weight, seen as an overindulgence at the public’s expense.
However, there were only a few people to receive the wrath of the crowd this time, including councillors Tony Green, Brian Pearce, Ray Farmer and two of the younger members of Wycombe District Council, Harry Bull and Matt Davy.
Chief reporter Andrew Colley was live tweeting throughout this morning’s event:
Cheers for our new mayor... And no more! pic.twitter.com/34YptQ372o
— Andrew Colley (@Andrew_BFP) May 21, 2016
They used to throw fruit, but the reaction to a shout of 'and some more' is still pretty ferocious #mayormaking pic.twitter.com/LiJn7PpXVB
— Andrew Colley (@Andrew_BFP) May 21, 2016
Look back at some of the other tweets by clicking here.
See more reaction and a gallery of pictures on the BFP website later today and tomorrow.
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