Deputy Mayor Sam Li does Chinese community proud!
On 15 May, TVB Europe, satellite channel as well as many leading members of the Chinese community turned up at Lewes townhall to attend the Mayor making process. They were there to support Cllr Sam Li as he was inaugurated as Deputy Mayor of this historic town.
Lewes is the largest town within any National Park and had a proven track record of being able to stage big events such as the Rodin exhibition, the Mumford & Sons concert and, not least, Bonfire Night.
The outgoing Mayor was Cllr Ruth O'Keeffe who had been described as "the people's Mayor" while Cllr Dr Michael Turner was installed for his second term at the 40th Annual Meeting of Lewes Town Council.
Sam was elected Councillor of Lewes Council 11 years ago and was well regarded by his peers and constituents. Sam said that he was delighted to take up his new post and was honoured to represent the people of Lewes, a town that relied in part on tourism for its local economy.
In his acceptance speech Deputy Mayor Sam Li said that he was encouraged by his local MP Norman Baker to enter politics despite there being very few Chinese involved in politics at the time. He hoped to inspire others (in particular the next generation of British Chinese) to consider going into public service.
