Councillor Gerri Bird, Labour Councillor for East Chesterton and a high-profile disability rights campaigner, is set to become Mayor of Cambridge at the Council’s Annual General Meeting 12 June.

Cllr Bird was born in a Magdalene Home in Ireland and became disabled herself after contracting polio as a child, only having 3 years of formal schooling. She was a Labour activist for many years before winning her seat in East Chesterton in 2011 and has long campaigned for the rights of disabled people to ensure independence and change.

Cllr Bird said: “It is a great honour to be Mayor of Cambridge and I am looking forward to a fantastic year and supporting residents and events all across the city. I am also delighted to have the opportunity to highlight the work of Disability Cambridgeshire and Tom’s Trust as my chosen charities and hope that we can raise money for their invaluable work.”

Cllr Lewis Herbert, who becomes the Labour Leader of the Council on 12 June, said: “Gerri is known for her love of community and adventurous spirit, including enjoying off-road 4-wheel driving. She will be a wonderful ambassador for Cambridge and will show that no matter what the challenges are thrown by life, it is possible to meet them head on and win.”