East Putney Councillor, Professor Brian Prichard, CBE, followed a family tradition when he became the Mayor of Wandsworth on Thursday.

The annual election of the mayor takes place took place yesterday, when Councillor John Farebrother formally handed over the reins.

Coun Prichard, who was first elected to the council in 1964, becomes the fourth member of his family to have taken up the post of Mayor in south west London.

Reverend Alfred Prichard was Mayor of Battersea from 1930-31, Sir Norman Prichard held the same post 1935-36 as did Douglas Prichard from 1951-52.

The men are Coun Prichard’s grandfather, father and uncle respectively.

A retired physician, Coun Prichard specialised in high blood pressure management and was also responsible for an alcohol detoxification service.

He is also chairman of the Institute of Alcohol Studies.

As a councillor he has served on a number of committees including children’s services, adult social services, health, housing, planning and transportation, audit and standards and ethics. He was chairman of the Conservative Group in the council for nine years and chairman of the standing advisory council on religious education.

A Conservative, Coun Prichard is also a founder member of the Conservative Medical Society and was awarded a CBE in 1996 in recognition of his long service as an officer.

He lives in Thamesfield and is married with 4 children.

For 30 years he acted as a medical officer at Boys’ Brigade, which, along with the Girls’ Brigade, the Scouts and the Guides. will be his chosen mayoral charities for the coming 12 months.

Councillor Jane Cooper, a retired civil servant first elected to the council in May 2002 and represents West Putney, becomes his deputy.

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