Wishaw now has the first and second citizens of North Lanarkshire after the new civic heads of the council were elected at a special meeting.
Thursday’s meeting was originally called after provost Agnes Magowan, of the SNP, stood down from the civic role for family health reasons; but the new administration added to the agenda the replacement of incumbent depute Anne Thomas of the SNP as well as changing the leadership of each council committee.
Labour councillor Kenny Duffy, representing the Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig ward, was elected as Provost and Wishaw elected member Bob Burgess, of the Scottish Conservatives, was elected as Depute Provost.
The new Provost is the youngest and first openly LGBT+ civic head of the council.
Provost Duffy said: “It is a true privilege to represent the people of North Lanarkshire as the civic head and I take on this role with candour and pride.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to see the community spirit that runs through the towns and villages of North Lanarkshire as well as the astonishing and diverse range of work that people do for their own communities.
“As the youngest and first LGBT+ person to hold the office, I look forward to working with people, groups, businesses and charities across North Lanarkshire.
“As elected members, we all have a responsibility to represent our communities and it’s a great honour to do so.
"It’s important to me in my role as the Provost, that I champion every member’s right to speak fairly and equally in the council chamber and I am looking forward to achieving that.”
Councillor Duffy won 38-36 in the election for provost, ahead of SNP nominee Councillor Thomas.
Conservative leader Sandy Watson proposed Wishaw party representative Bob Burgess for the depute role, which he won 37-36 with the votes of his party plus Labour and Michael Coyle, defeating the SNP’s bid to retain Councillor Thomas in the role.
Commenting on his appointment, Councillor Burgess said: “I am delighted and honoured to be elected as Depute Provost and to represent our residents.
“I am really looking forward to meeting more local people and working with communities to celebrate and recognise the work they do.”
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