THIRTEEN is the lucky number for David Wren, who has been officially elected as the new mayor of Swindon.

Coun Wren became the 13th mayor of Swindon as he replaced Coun Steve Wakefield at yesterday’s annual full council meeting.

The new mayor was warmly welcomed by Conservative colleagues, although the former Labour councillor received a more subdued response from the group he left in 2006.

The outgoing mayor was showered with compliments from all sides of the chamber after a busy year, which saw him raise £8,000 for his charities.

The new deputy mayor, Coun Rex Barnett was also unveiled.

Accepting his new role, Coun Wren said: “I have had an eventful life since I moved to Swindon 26 years ago. I would like to think that I can now claim myself as an adopted Swindonian.

“I think it’s a wonderful town – I have seen it grow and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Coun Wren went on to praise his wife, Coun Sinead Darker (Con, St Philip), who he said would be his “warm-up act” at functions throughout the year.

He also unveiled his four charities for the year, which will be Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Centre, Swindon Community Radio, Swindon Guide Dogs for the Blind and Swindon Cares.

Coun Colin Lovell (Con, Moredon) spoke in support of his ward mate’s nomination as mayor.

He said: “He has been very active in Swindon and being mayor is a fit and proper position for him to take up.

“I hope you and Sinead have a great year. I’m sure it will be a very busy, very exciting and very fulfilling year.”

Coun Derique Montaut, speaking for the first time as leader of the Labour group, simply spoke to support the appointment, choosing instead to lavish praise on Coun Wren’s predecessor.

Coun Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) was another of those who paid tribute to Coun Wakefield.

He said: “Every mayor does their role in their own inimitable fashion.

“Steve has steamed ahead throughout his year and been a great mayor.

“Your support of the military has been terrific and very noticeable. You can be proud of what you have achieved.”

Lib Dem leader Stan Pajak also praised Coun Wakefield for his charity work and his use of the media, including his weekly Adver Remember When platform, to promote the office of mayor.

Coun Wakefield said: “I want to say ‘thank you’ to the people of Swindon who welcomed me and supported me as mayor. That’s always one thing we can rely on.

“I am very pleased to have raised £8,000 for charity, having set my target at £3,000, especially considering that now is a difficult time to be persuading people to give to charity.”