A former Militant supporter who was at the centre of criticism over the quality of Coventry’s social services department will be the city’s mayor in 2001.

Dave Chater was chosen as the Deputy Mayor to Sheila Collins when she takes over from current Lord Mayor Joan Wright in May, and will take on the top post next year.

Sky Blues fan Cllr Chater, who has followed Coventry City since he was five, will now be in the official party opening the new stadium at the former Foleshill gasworks.

Cllr Chater, who lives in Beechwood Avenue, Earlsdon, has represented Binley and Willenhall since 1986.

During the row over the poll tax he became the first city councilor to be summonsed to court for non-payment, but settled his bill before the case was heard.

Last year he was moved from his position as the chairman of the committee responsible for the Social Services department after it received stinging criticism from a government inspector.

Now aged 51, and married with two grown-up children, he is currently the chair of the Health and Care policy team.

Cllr Chater is also a non-executive director of Coventry Health Authority. He has previously been chair of Transportation and Highways committee.

He said: 

"I am very pleased to accept this honour, even though I realise it will be hard work.

"I am looking forward to supporting the incoming Lord Mayor, Cllr Sheila Collins, in an exciting year."