News / Politics
Former mayor Marvin takes his seat in the Lords as Lord Rees of Easton
Marvin Rees is now officially Baron Rees of Easton of St Paul’s in the City of Bristol.
The former mayor of Bristol participated in a ceremony steeped in tradition when he took his seat in the House of Lords for the first time.
Dressed in scarlet and ermine robes, Lord Rees was watched over by another former leader of Bristol who now sits in the upper house, Barbara Janke, who for a decade has been Baroness Janke of Clifton
Lord Rees takes his title from one of the areas of Bristol he grew up in before becoming the first elected mayor of Black African heritage of a major European city.
Lord Rees signs the undertaking to abide by the House of Lords code of conduct – photo: Parliamentarylive.tv
During the short ceremony on Monday afternoon, he was supported by independent crossbencher Lord Woolley of Woodford and fellow Labour peer Lord Boateng.
All three have known each other for many years, with Lord Woolley recounting at Bristol civil rights hero Paul Stephenson’s memorial, on January 31, that Stephenson had put him in touch with Rees before he became mayor.
Lord Rees’ first words in the chamber were the oath.
He said: “I Marvin, Lord Rees of Easton, do swear by almighty God, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.”
Lord Rees shaking hands with the House of Lords speaker, Lord McFall of Alcliuth – photo: Parliamentarylive.tv
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