The new mayor of Harrow, Jean Lammiman has pledged to "focus on young people" over the next year.

Cllr Jean Lammiman, a mother of two, first entered local politics in 1994 when she was elected to the Hatch End ward. In 2003 she became chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and held the post for four years.

Cllr Lammiman described how she pursuaded her children to go out leafleting with her while she was on the campaign trail by telling them they were handing out invites to a "pyjama party". She added that it was some time before before her children asked when the party was going to be taking place.

The new Mayor is fluent in french, German and Spanish and is involved with the Commission for Racial Equality, has a non executive position with Relate - where she focuses on counselling for young people who have troubled family relationships.

Cllr Lammiman started her career at Xerox before moving to British Home Stores. She currently works as a freelance business consultant. She has also written books for The Economist and been featured in the Sunday Times for innovative business approach.

Proposing her for the position, Cllr Seymour emphasised how much hard work the Mayor had done while chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He said; "It isn't unusual to receive an email from Jean in the morning, but I mean the really early hours of the morning."

Her two sons, Thomas and Stuart, are both musicians and she is married to John Hinkley. But even with all these responsibilities she has managed to find time to be involved with Harrow in Europe and Harrow Young Musicians.

Cllr Lammiman was seconded by Cllr Chris Mote, the leader of Harrow Council. Cllr Mote's respect and affection for the new Mayor was clear as he called her "Jeannie" as he said: "I know she will make an excellent Mayor".

Cllr Mote championed her for being part of the close-knit Pinner community and attending all of the events organised by local residents, he then explained that the council was like Pinner because of its closeness.

Having signed the declaration of acceptance of office, she added that she saw a quote from the golfer Tiger Woods, who said: "No matter how good you get you can always get better".

Cllr Lammiman said: "I take politics and life seriously but I approach it with an innovative approach and I hope I get the balance right."

The new mayor's charity is the Teenage Cancer Trust and her Chaplain will be the Rev Mike Hall.