Multiculturalist Patel

Indian Bhikhu Patel (no relation) a Hindu, and this years Mayor of Preston (Lancs Uk) has introduced Hindu prayers instead of the traditional Christian blessing at the start of each council meeting . Now he has changed the traditional mayoral Christmas Carol Concert held in the council chamber, to an, evening of Asian and Afro-Caribbean music this year.

Choleric Councillor Ken Hudson, Leader of the opposition Conservative party in the city council, said it was "bloody ridiculous".

Mayor Patel claims a choir could not be found "I want a multicultural peace and harmony event. It will be a culturally cohesive, more inclusive event. I do not think carol singing is suitable for my mayoral year.”

Afro-Caribbean singer Katie McClelland and Asian musicians will perform at the event on Jan 7th 2006.

It is reported that the Mayor has previously been criticised for requesting that the taxpayer fund a trip for an 11-strong delegation, including members of his own family, to his home village - Navsari in Gujarat.

STOP PRESS

The Lancashire Evening Post today reveal that details of plans for a Town Hall event on December 15 after councillors gather for the final meeting of the year.
Instead of the usual evening event, an hour will be set aside for carols and prayers at 12.30pm. All 57 councillors will be asked to attend, along with any members of staff. Around 15 pupils from St Stephen's CE Primary school on South Meadow Lane will lead the carols, accompanied by councillors.

Father Chris Dyckhoff from St Wilfrid's Catholic Church on Winckley Square will talk about Christmas and say some prayers.

Councillor Hudson ready with the sound bite said this was a “knee jerk” reaction. Mayor Patel expressed surprise at the reaction of Councillors to his previous plans for a multicultural event.

Meanwhile they also report the security of 1,500 jobs at the Springfield . Preston / nuclear processing plant and Heysham power station as a result of Tony Blairs Damascene conversion to nuclear power.