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Meng Xuenong, an ally of the new party chief Hu Jintao, was elected mayor of Beijing yesterday.

Mr Meng, 52, credited the Communist Youth League for laying the foundations of his political career. He promised to keep close to the people and maintain an innovative edge in leading the capital.

Mr Meng was elected mayor by delegates to the city's People's Congress. He has served two five-year terms as one of the deputy mayors. He takes over from Liu Qi, who remains Beijing's party secretary.

The new mayor is one of a number of Mr Hu's allies who have been appointed to key posts as the leadership prepares for a major shake-up.

Mr Hu, 59, is due to replace Jiang Zemin, 76, as state president at the national legislature's annual session in March.

An engineer by training, Mr Meng spent the early part of his career in the Communist Youth League - which Mr Hu headed in the 1980s - and in the city's car industry.

He said his administration would follow the Communist Party under Mr Hu's stewardship, progress with the changing times and make the 2008 Olympic Games an outstanding event.

Speaking at the conclusion of the People's Congress, he praised the party's new leader.

'Upright and fair, Comrade Hu Jintao left me with a deep impression when I worked under him 20 years ago. His personal charisma set an example for Youth League cadres to emulate.'

Mr Meng echoed many of the themes that Mr Hu has focused on since assuming the position of general secretary.

He said the most pressing issues facing the city were medical care, housing, employment, pension reform, and law and order.  He said his heart went out to those residents who were anxious about the demolition of their neighbourhoods.

'I have lived in the hutongs  and stayed in touch with some old neighbours,' he said. 'I understand their mixed feelings of expectation and fear.'

The residents wanted to move out of the derelict buildings that do not have central heating or basic amenities, he said, but they were also afraid of not being able to find shelter.

Mr Meng promised that the city would build cheap apartments and offer subsidies to make housing more affordable.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, the new mayor said he would provide 60,000 yuan (HK$56,600) in aid to the poorest households.

Mr Meng introduced his team of eight deputy mayors, headed by Liu Jingmin, who oversees the preparations for the 2008 Olympics.

Mr Liu said this year would see the ground-breaking ceremony for the Olympic stadium and several related facilities. The city plans to use the preparation for the games to spur its economic growth and urban renewal.

Zhai Hongxiang, 56, is the only female member of the team, with a taxation and trade portfolio. Among the four newly appointed deputy mayors, the youngest is Lu Hao, 35, who will be in charge of industrial development.

PARTY POLITICS

Meng Xuenong has served two five-year terms as deputy mayor

An engineer by training, he spent the early part of his career working for the Communist Youth League and in Beijing's auto industry

He replaces Liu Qi, who remains Beijing's party secretary



Ally of party leader is elected Beijing mayor