Councillor Lokabee Lokabandhu was officially sworn in as the new Mayor of Glastonbury at a ceremony that celebrated trust and community service.

The Town Hall was filled with councillors and community members standing in respect as Councillor Lokabandhu took over the mayoral chain of office from Indra Donfrancesco, marking the start of a new chapter in local governance.

In his acceptance speech, Lokabandhu expressed profound gratitude for the trust placed in him by his fellow council members and the community.

He pledged to honour that trust by encouraging active participation from all council members, regardless of their diverse backgrounds and political perspectives.

Highlighting his vision for his term, Lokabandhu shared his commitment to fostering relationships among the myriad faith communities in Glastonbury.

With a reputation as a spiritual hub, Glastonbury claims to house numerous faith groups, a figure the new Mayor is keen to confirm and celebrate. "Glastonbury has a long-standing myth that there are 80 different faith groups here. I've managed to compile contact details for 77, but we may yet beat the 80," he said, reflecting his dedication to inclusivity and mutual respect.

The Mayor's innovative approach includes the formation of a 'Chaplaincy Panel' representing different faiths to foster dialogue and understanding.

The panel, which has already met twice, will explore various topics to enrich spiritual and communal life in Glastonbury.

Furthermore, Lokabandhu outlined his ambitious agenda, which includes supporting the ongoing Town Deal projects, addressing the climate emergency, and reinforcing the town's commitment to community and environmental well-being.

His term also promises a focus on mental health, dedicating his mayoral charity efforts to the Glastonbury Mental Health Network, underscoring his commitment to addressing both the visible and hidden challenges facing the community.