Honorary President of Sandwell Liberal Democrats, Sadie Smith was Mayor of Sandwell for 2006 to 2007. She used her time in office to setup a Multi-Faith advisory group, and championed the work of the Royal Osteoporosis Society. She was the first Liberal Democrat mayor of Sandwell, and only the second not to be a Labour Councillor, following the previous Tory mayor Bill Archer.

Although much of a Mayor’s job is to represent the Borough at various events and functions, they can also use the time to highlight particular issues, and help raise funds for charity. They also chair the full Council meetings, a role that original choice for Mayor, the late Martyn Smith, would have relished. Sadie chose to focus on helping improve community relations during her year by setting up the multi-faith working group that produced a report to the Council with proposals for them to implement. Many of its recommendations were implemented, but the Labour faction in control chose to water-down some of the more fundamental reforms that were required, such as increasing the diversity of its officers and workforce.

Sadie was ably served by two consorts during the year, by Rachel Cheeseman, and Tony Fowler, along with a number of substitutes who stood in when a consort was not available. A consort helps the Mayor and shares some of the burden at events that promote the Borough. Tony took over from Rachel when she moved to Australia both did everything they could to support Sadie and promote Sandwell. He appreciated his time as consort, and particularly enjoyed visiting the various groups in West Bromwich. He also enjoyed working with the neighbouring Black Country councils and some of the other councils in the West Midlands.

One of the many highlights of her year as Mayor, saw Sadie preside over the opening of the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple of the United Kingdom in Tividale. Sadie, and the Sandwell Liberal Democrats, have maintained close links with the temple ever since. Their open days have always been well worth visiting, and we look forward to the day when people will be able to visit it again, free of the current social distancing restrictions.