Councillor Paul Andrews has been appointed the new Lord Mayor in the city of Manchester in a full council meeting today (15 May).
Born in Crumpsall Hospital, Manchester, Cllr Andrews previously lived in the Bradford area of the city before moving to Wythenshawe in 1959. The proud Mancunian attended Poundswick Infant School, Poundswick Junior School and then Poundswick Grammar. Eventually, ending his schooling in 1970 and going on to complete an apprenticeship in the print industry.
In 1978, he began working as a baggage handler at Manchester Airport with an already tireless work ethic.
It would be almost two decades before Cllr Andrews began his political life; first being elected to Manchester City Council in 1996, representing Woodhouse Park Ward. He has had an outstanding participation in committees, serving on several and completing two terms on the Executive Committee and he has sat on numerous governing bodies.
In a return to his roots, he served on the Manchester Airport Trust Fund and the Port Health Authority reflecting his unflinching dedication and passion to bettering Manchester throughout his life.
One of Cllr Andrews most revisited themes is celebrating carers; he was the Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing and served on the Foster Panel for 10 years, to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable young people with help through volunteers and professional organisations.
Cllr Andrews has been married to his wife Karen since 1996 who has been a steadfast supporter in his duty to public life. He regularly visits Ireland and Scotland, where he can be found partaking in one of his favourite past times: fishing.
Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Paul Andrews, said: “To be appointed as Lord Mayor of this city is humbling and an utmost honour. And it is one I do not take lightly, as I seek to serve hard-working Mancunians who want to see their beloved city thrive.
“Under my tenure and through our core values of hard-work, collaboration and innovation, I aim to continue Manchester’s legacy of being a city that supports our residents to succeed."