Jackie Slesenger has completed a family double by becoming Lord Mayor of Newcastle, husband David having previously held the office.

Councillor Slesenger — who until last month was the city’s sheriff — has represented West Gosforth ward for the LibDems for eight years. She has served as a magistrate and been actively involved in Wizo and the Representative Council of North East Jewry.

She is the fifth Jewish Lord Mayor of Newcastle and the second Jewish woman to hold the post. Her London-based daughter, Deborah Taylor, will be Lady Mayoress and “will attend as many functions as possible”.

Following her installation at the council chamber, Councillor Slesenger hosted a supper at the Mansion House.
One of her mayoral charities is St Oswald’s Hospice in Gosforth, chosen “because many of my friends have been cared for at the hospice”. The other is the Durham-based Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

The Slesengers are members of Newcastle’s United Hebrew Congregation, whose minister Rabbi Aaron Lipsey will serve as the mayoral chaplain.