A former bus conductor was chosen to be the new leader of Wandsworth Council by fellow Conservative councillors last night.
Councillor Ravi Govindia will replace Britain's longest serving council leader, Councillor Edward Lister, who is stepping down to become Boris Johnson's chief of staff and deputy mayor for planning.
Born in Jinja, Uganda's second largest city, Coun Govindia arrived in the UK aged 17 following General Idi Amin's expulsion of Ugandan Asians.
First elected in 1982, he has chaired a number of committees during his career at the council including leisure and amenity services, technical services and planning.
He is a East Putney councillor and currently holds the post of cabinet member for strategic planning and transportation.
Coun Govindia is set to formally take over as leader at the next full council meeting on Wednesday.
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