SNP councillor Alex Wilson has been appointed Glasgow’s new armed forces champion despite opposition from Labour members who nominated the former Lord Provost for the role.
Councillor Wilson, whose father in law served in the Navy and whose grandparents fought in the Second World War, was voted into the position by the majority of councillors at Thursday’s city administration committee (CAC).
Earlier this week Mr Wilson vowed to make the transition for ex-soldiers back into civilian life easier, help those suffering from post traumatic stress while working with charities to prevent homelessness.
READ MORE: Glasgow's proposed new armed forces champion vows to help struggling soldiers
During the CAC meeting Labour leader councillor George Redmond moved an amendment to appoint the former Lord Provost, councillor Philip Braat who is an honorary Naval officer, instead.
Councillor Redmond also raised concerns about the appointment process.
He said: “George Redmond said: “The proposal agreed in 2017 was that the former councillor Phil Greene would be appointed for a period of two years and thereafter the council would consider an open recruitment process to appoint the post holder.
“There is no mention of that or reason given. I am talking about an open recruitment which meant all members of the council would be considered rather than just the administration.
“For that reason I would like to move the former Lord Provost Phil Braat to take up the position because of his relationship with the armed forces.
“He is a current Royal Navy reservist and an honorary officer in the Royal Navy and holds the rank of Captain and I think he would be very suitable for this position.”
The Labour leader was informed that feedback from Phil Greene showed that the person in the role would have had more of an influence if they were a member of the council and that councillor Wilson’s background made him a suitable candidate.
Councillor Greg Hepburn said: “The paper details the skills possessed by councillor Alex Wilson which makes him suitable for the role.
“This includes his decades of experience in welfare and benefits which will be particularly vital for veterans needs over the next five years as we go through a cost of living crisis as well as his family history and experience with veterans organisations within his ward.
“We are making this proposal today and to maximise the role to better serve veterans.”
Following the discussion 13 members voted for councillor Wilson to take on the role and nine voted for the amendment.
Councillor Alex Wilson said: "I am incredibly honoured to be named as the new veterans champion.
"To follow in the footsteps of Phil Green and the late Malcom Cunning is a real privilege I hope to establish links to as many groups charities and organisations as I can to help the many veterans of Glasgow.
"I am a pro-active person by nature and will be keen to get involved straight away. On a personal level I may not have served in the forces but I will use my knowledge of speaking with family members who have served along with veterans I have spoken to in my journey as a councillor.
"I am grateful to have been nominated and to those who thought me worthy of this role."
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