The new mayor of Newport is Cllr Debbie Harvey, who said she will champion the city’s volunteers during her year in office.

Cllr Harvey has represented the Alway ward for the Labour Party since 2012, and first got into politics after campaigning for people who lost out when a national Christmas savings scheme collapsed.

“I’m Newport born and bred, so it’s a great honour and privilege to be asked to serve as mayor of the city,” she said.

Mother and grandmother Cllr Harvey was joined by family members for her inauguration as Newport’s 394th mayor, in the Civic Centre chamber on Tuesday May 19.

Her husband, Cllr Tim Harvey – who also represents the Alway ward – will serve as her consort.

Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, who leads the local authority, described the new mayor as “strong-minded, forthright, community-focused” and someone who has “never, ever forgotten where she’s come from”.

“I couldn’t be prouder for her – she’s a credit to Newport, she’s a credit to her family, and she’s a credit to our Labour movement,” the leader added. “Our local party would not be the same without Deb and Tim.”

Cllr Will Routley, speaking on behalf of the opposition, praised Cllr Harvey as a “formidable” local representative who he believed would do “a fantastic job” as mayor.

After the robing and swearing-in ceremony, Cllr Harvey told the council chamber her chosen charities for her mayoral year are GAVO (the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations) and St John Ambulance.

She said GAVO “plays such a vital role in our city” and is “at the heart of every Newport voluntary and community sector – day in, day out”.

“Its work often happens quietly but its impact is felt across the entire city,” she said. “I am proud to place a strong focus on celebrating volunteering and the incredible contribution made by volunteers across Newport.

“Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our city and organisations like GAVO play a crucial role in supporting and championing them.”

Cllr Harvey said St John Ambulance is “synonymous with care, compassion and service” and “represents the very best of community spirit”.

“The need for first aid skills, community resilience and a volunteer service remains as important as ever,” she added.

Pillgwenlly ward councillor Debbie Jenkins will serve as the new deputy mayor, with her partner Lee Hedges as consort.

There was also praise for outgoing mayor Cllr Kate Thomas, from the Stow Hill ward.

“I’ve heard only praise and good things,” said Cllr Batrouni. “You’ve been an absolute credit to us, Kate – thank you ever so much for your hard work over the past year.”

Cllr Thomas said she had raised £17,000 for her two chosen charities – Little People UK and Book Trust Cymru – and had attended 200 events showcasing “an extraordinary range of organisations” and “the talents of people, businesses and groups across the city”.

“It’s been such an honour to be the first citizen of a city which has been my home for 26 years, and where I’ve felt so welcomed and accepted,” she added.