The borough’s new mayor has pledged to support vulnerable children after being elected for a record-breaking fourth term.

Cllr Sheila Peacock said she was determined to make “a long-lasting difference to children’s lives for years to come” after being sworn in at Haringey’s annual council meeting on Monday (May 20).

The long-serving Northumberland Park councillor set a target of raising £50,000 for her chosen charities – £10,000 more than during her last term as mayor.

Cllr Peacock said her slogan for the year would be “from Haringey, for Haringey.”

She said: “I promise during my year I will do my best to work hard and continue to promote Haringey and all the good work the council does, even in difficult times.

“I am proud to stand before you, a Jewish woman joined by a Jewish deputy mayor and a Jewish deputy leader – three girls who made it good.”

The new mayor pledged to focus on children who “from no fault of their own have to contend with severe disabilities or problems”.

She said: “I am determined to make a long-lasting difference to children’s lives for years to come.

“We must help these children to grow and thrive. Every child matters.

“Let’s make the motto of this borough – ‘progress with humanity’ – an actual thing for the people in Haringey.”

Cllr Peacock, who worked as a teacher and a headteacher before retiring, will be supporting disabled and vulnerable children through the Tottenham District Charity.

Her other charities are Lymphoma Action; the Step by Step nursery, which caters for disabled children; and the Friends of Pembury House Nursery School.

Cllr Peacock is chair of the Tottenham and Wood Green Pensioners’ Action Group and has played a key role in organising the annual Haringey Unsung Women Awards.

Council leader Cllr Joseph Ejiofor said: “Sheila’s re-election is testament to her indefatigable spirit and passion for Haringey and its people.

“Haringey residents should be proud that she is their first citizen again.”

Cllr Dana Carlin, who represents Hornsey, will serve as deputy mayor.

Tributes were paid to outgoing mayor Cllr Gina Adamou for her work over the past year.