A former Longbridge councillor was inducted as the 114th Lord Mayor of Birmingham last week (Tuesday 21st May.
As the first citizen of Birmingham, the Lord Mayor serves for a four year period, acting as an ambassador for the residents of the city – locally, nationally and internationally.
Cllr Ken Wood (Cons) has served Sutton Walmley and Minworth since 2014 but began his Birmingham councillor career representing Longbridge ward (2008-2011). His wife, Lady Mayoress Barbara Wood, was councillor for Kings Norton between 2007 and 2011.
Excited to introduce myself as the new Lord Mayor of #Birmingham after my first week in office! 🏛️
It’s been an incredible start, meeting inspiring individuals & celebrating #BirminghamPride 🏳️🌈
I look forward to serving our wonderful city & making a positive impact together 🤝 pic.twitter.com/pTObupQdd3
— Lord Mayor of Birmingham (@BrumLordMayor) May 29, 2024
Despite his unmistakably Scottish accent, the Lord Mayor is keen to note that he is a true Brummie. Born in the Loveday Street Hospital, he moved with his mother to her native Scotland after his parents’ marriage ended.
He made visits to Birmingham at the age of 21 to reunite with his father, then a technician at Birmingham University, and his older brother, who was working at Rubery Hospital as a psychiatric nurse.
He met Barbara, who lived next door to his father in Selly Oak and made the permanent move back to Birmingham in 1982.
‘Ken and Barbie’ married in 1984 and have two children and one grandchild.
The Lord Mayor’s passion within the council is housing, and he is a staunch believer in the need for more affordable housing and social housing for rent. He was the Lead Member for Housing during his 2008 – 2012 spell and more recently was Shadow Cabinet Member for Homes and Homelessness.
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