A POPULAR chef turned dry cleaner says he hopes to become an inspiration to budding councillors after tasting success in the district council election.
Coun Kwai Hung Chan, who runs a laundrette and a Chinese takeaway on Newtown Road, will represent Malvern Link at Malvern Hills District Council after securing 1,162 votes last Thursday (May 7).
His success at the election also created history for the council as he will be its first Chinese councillor and the 50-year-old said he felt ‘very honoured’ to have been elected.
“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I originally moved to Upton-on-Severn when I was nine, so I grew up in Worcestershire before settling in Malvern.
“Heading into the election, I was not in a confident mood because I did not know what the electorate were like as I am a first to it. I was just hoping for the best, so I am very happy to come out on top.”
The Liberal Democrat councillor said he was inspired to get into politics when he found out a Chinese man had been elected in London and he hoped others could follow in his footsteps.
“I am the first Chinese councillor in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and I think that is very significant because the tide of politics is changing,” he said.
“If I was to inspire others to do something so dramatic it would be the ultimate compliment and I would be really flattered.”
The father-of-three said his wife, Guo Wai, will take over the restaurant, so he can dedicate his time to being a councillor.
And Coun Tom Wells, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said he was delighted to welcome him on to the council.
“I am very excited about the freshness and the different perspective he will bring to council meetings,” Coun Wells said.
“For any new councillor it all seems rather daunting to start with, but he will settle in to become a very good councillor.”
