New mayor makes tackling knife crime a priority after death of his friend

DERBY’S new mayor says tackling knife crime is his priority following multiple stabbings in the city and the “heartbreaking” loss of a close friend.

- By NIGEL SLATER

Littleover councillor Ajit Atwal was elected Derby's ‘First Citizen’ at the annual mayor making ceremony yesterday, taking over the reins from his predecessor, Councillor Ged Potter.

The Liberal Democrat councillor was elected unopposed during the first part of Derby City Council's annual general meeting.

Councillor Atwal was leader of the city’s Liberal Democrat group but that role now goes to Councillor Lucy Care.

Councillor Care paid tribute to Councillor Atwal when nominating him for the honour, praising his strong community spirit.

She said the Littleover councillor “knows so many people” in Derby and has an “amazing memory for faces”.

Cllr Atwal was born and bred in Derby and grew up in Normanton.

He is well known for being the face of his family business, Atwal Car and Van Hire on Dairy House Road.