Applause as UK's first transgender mayor sworn in » Local Government » 24dash.com

The UK's first transgender mayor was sworn in today.

Liberal Democrat Jenny Bailey, 45, who had a sex swap when she was in her 30s, has been appointed the civic leader of Cambridge City Council.

When asked how proud she was to be mayor of Cambridge, she said: "This is fantastic."

After donning her mayoral robes, she posed for photographs with her partner, Jennifer Liddle, 49, a former city councillor who also had a sex swap.

Ms Bailey was greeted with loud applause as she was announced as mayor in a meeting held in the council chambers, attended by councillors and some of her friends and family.

She then chaired a meeting of the council that was expected to last most of the day.

Rob Hammond, chief executive of Cambridge City Council, said: "I'm confident Ms Bailey will be a great ambassador for Cambridge.

"I am aware that there will be interest in Ms Bailey's male-to-female gender reassignment.

"It is the council's firm view that someone's gender and sexual orientation has no bearing on their suitability to hold public office. What matters is the person's ability to do the job and to do it well and that is how they should be judged.

"When Ms Bailey is confirmed in post it will be business as usual for the council."

Council leader Ian Nimmo-Smith said: "I am looking forward to supporting Jenny as she takes the leading role in Cambridge's civic life for the coming year.

"Jenny has fulfilled the role of deputy mayor in the past year with great distinction and we already know that she will make a really great mayor."

Don't miss the 24dash.com audio bulletins for the latest news and information - http://www.24dash.com/podcasts