A councillor “with a great sense of fun” was made mayor last night – but said there was no need to call him “Mr Mayor”.
 

It will be the second time Brian Fitch, Labour and Co- operative Party councillor for Hangleton and Knoll in Hove, has been mayor during his political career.
 

Yesterday he said he wanted to “bring people together in a relaxed fashion, adding: “There is a time and a place for formality – I will leave it up to
people to choose whether they call me Mr Mayor or Brian.”

Coun Fitch was the mayor for the borough of Brighton from 1989 to 1990 and will now serve as mayor of Brighton and Hove until May next year.
 

He said: “I am really excited and it is indeed an honour. I am delighted to serve the community in this way for a second time.
 

“The theme of my year will be peace and harmony, which are quite undervalued in politics.”
 

One of the charities Coun Fitch has decided to support in the coming year is The Argus Appeal.
 

He said: “I believe that The Argus Appeal does a wonderful amount of work for the community. It not only helps organisations but also individuals.”

His wife Norah said: “Brian is a politician with a great sense of fun. We are looking forward to a wonderful year, after which he will retire.”