THE mayor appears to be going for a more modern look with a second chain’ of office. Political cynics in London’s East End might think the Labour mayor at Tower Hamlets is turning Tory blue

THE mayor appears to be going for a more modern look with a second chain’ of office.

Political cynics in London’s East End might think the Labour mayor at Tower Hamlets is turning Tory blue.

But Ahmed Omer was actually trying out a stress check’ and physiotherapy test.

Cllr Omer, Britain’s first Somali mayor and probably Europe’s first, dropped in with his official gold chain of office at yesterday’s Learning Disability’ open day at Mile End Hospital.

TURNED HEADS

He turned a few heads trying out the OT sensory equipment, pictured with a surprised Open Day visitor Jean Clare looking on.

People with disabilities and their families and carers were invited to take part in blood pressure and weight checks, organised by Tower Hamlets’ Community Learning Disability service.

The mayor stayed on for a sign-language sing-along using Makaton, a nationally-recognised sign and speech programme.

Members from the nearby Coburn day centre in Bow gave signed’ renditions of Happy Talk for the Mayor, then Blame It on the Boogie in tribute to Michael Jackson.