Warm welcome as new London mayor, council sworn in

Mayor Matt Brown speaks following the swearing-in ceremony at the London Convention Centre on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014. (London-Fanshawe MP Irene Mathyssen / Twitter)

The newly-elected mayor and city council for London were sworn in at the London Convention Centre on Monday evening.

The inaugural meeting was held away from council chambers to allow family, friends and members of the public to take part.

And they did not disappoint. Hundreds turned out for the event, which is being dubbed the largest crowd ever at a city council meeting.

All 14 members of council, along with Mayor Matt Brown, were sworn in by the city clerk before Brown delivered his inaugural address.

In a statement ahead of the inauguration he said, “It is wonderful to see the community so engaged by the inauguration of our new Council...There is much optimism for our newly elected leaders and we are eager to get to work on behalf of all Londoners.”

Earlier in the day, council members were busy settling in to their new offices ahead of the swearing in ceremony.

Ward 10 Councillor Virginia Ridley  - one of 11 new faces on council - was the first to open the door to her new office.

"I tend to be early for as much as I can be, that's why I'm here early, trying to get organized and find my groove."

There were lots of smiles during a group photoshoot, but everyone is very aware they face a steep learning curve and will need to get up to speed quickly.

But while Brown won't commit to his top issue, he is clear on some priorities.

"We need to fight congestion, we need to improve transit. That is something that we can make a commitment to today, and look forward to seeing in motion over the course of the next four years."

After being sworn in, Brown promised to have a strategic plan in place within 100 days.