A councillor who came to the UK unable to speak English but built a career in clothes manufacturing and offered to use his factory to make protective gear during the Covid crisis is the new mayor of Enfield.

Cllr Sabri Ozaydin, who represents Turkey Street ward for Labour, was sworn in at a full council meeting on Wednesday (July 1) – the first time in the borough’s history that the ceremony has been held remotely.

He told the meeting: “I am deeply humbled to stand here as the elected mayor of Enfield. Your hope and trust in me reflects the diversity and unity of our great borough.

“I take the responsibility and trust you have shown me very seriously, and I am committed to serving the people of our borough to the best of my ability, enthusiasm, compassion and devotion.”

Born in Turkey in 1968, Cllr Ozaydin went to school in Istanbul before coming to the UK to attend university. He told the meeting: “when I came, I didn’t even speak a word of English”.

After graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University in 1992, he began a career in the clothing industry and has worked in manufacturing ever since.

Cllr Ozaydin was elected mayor with the support of both Labour and Conservative groups on the council.

Tory leader Cllr Joanne Laban (Highlands) described him as “totally committed to our community”, adding: “nothing showed that more than during the height of the (coronavirus) pandemic, he offered to change the production line at his clothing factory to do personal protective equipment. What an offer to make.”

Cllr Ozaydin said: “As the father of two Enfield-born children, I want to serve our borough to my full capacity and promise to support and encourage all the agencies and voluntary sector units that work tirelessly.

“I am hoping to work closely with those involved in community safety in our borough and the police.

“I am dedicated to supporting our local NHS workers, who are doing a wonderful job during the pandemic, as well as the schools in our borough in their fight to provide an invaluable service despite limited resources.

“I am hoping to gain the utmost support, through my charity, by working diligently with as many voluntary sector groups as possible, ensuring that those who are hard to reach are reached and supported.”

Cllr Christine Hamilton (Labour, Enfield Highway) was sworn in as the borough’s deputy mayor.

Councillors also paid tribute to outgoing mayor Cllr Kate Anolue (Labour, Upper Edmonton) for her service to the borough during the past year.

Kayhan Ali was named as the new young mayor of Enfield and Nevaeh West-Lawson as the deputy young mayor.

The cabinet was also confirmed, with Cllr Nesil Caliskan (Labour, Jubilee) remaining leader and Cllr Ian Barnes (Labour, Winchmore Hill) continuing as deputy leader.

Cllr Ahmet Hasan (Labour, Enfield Highway), Cllr Katherine Chibah (Labour, Bowes) and Cllr Mustafa Cetinkaya (Labour, Haselbury) were selected as associate cabinet members (ACMs) for Enfield North, Enfield West and Enfield South East respectively. Cllr Ergin Erbil (Labour, Edmonton Green) was selected as a non-geographically-based ACM.