The new mayor of Waltham Forest has embarked on his year in office with a promise of cuts, but only to his waistline.

Labour councillor Nadeem Ali was sworn in last week and immediately promised to slim down for charity.

Cllr Ali, who represents William Morris ward in Walthamstow, refused to reveal how much he weighs, but he has promised that when he leaves office he’ll cut a less imposing figure.

He said: “Throughout the year I’ll be raising money for my two chosen charities:  the Young People’s Programme at the William Morris Gallery and the Gastroenterology and Respiratory Unit at Whipps Cross Hospital.

“I admit it, I do need to lose a bit of weight so I’ll be starting a Pounds4Pounds challenge where people can sponsor me to slim down.

“I love my food, especially my Biriyani and I know it will be difficult, but I’m determined to do this and I’ll be working out regularly at the open air gym in Lloyd Park.”

At the age of 30, Cllr Ali will be become the youngest mayor to complete a full term of office when he hangs up his chains in a year’s time.

He was brought up in the borough attending Mission Grove Primary, Willowfield Secondary and George Monoux College before starting his career as a councillor in 2010.

He is a muslim and read verses from the Quran at his inauguration ceremony last week, but is keen to point out that he will represent all residents.

He said: “Waltham Forest is a diverse borough but I want to emphasise that we are one community, irrelevant of colour, creed or sexual orientation.

“This is a borough built on diversity. It is what makes us strong. That is something I believe in very passionately.”

Cllr Ali follows in the footsteps of his father Liaquat Ali, who was mayor in 2007/8.

His wife, Saika, will be his mayoress while his brothers Hather and Umar will act as his consorts.

And the family connection doesn’t end there.

Cllr Ali explained: “A big part of the reason I am raising money for Whipps is because of my grandmother Resham.

“She passed away two months ago at the age of 87.

“She had been in and out of hospital for the last five years, but had to be moved to the Royal Brompton because the machinery needed to treat her condition was not available at Whipps Cross.

“I’m raising money to buy that machine in her memory. I hope it is something that would have made her proud.”