Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has today elected Councillor Brian Higginson (DUP) as the new Mayor, with Alderman Aaron McIntyre (Alliance) taking up the position of Deputy Mayor.
Speaking at the Annual Meeting of Council, Mayor Higginson said: “It is a great honour to be elected Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. I am humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me, and I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to serving all the people of Lisburn and Castlereagh.
“I am especially proud to be the first councillor from Castlereagh South to hold the office of Mayor. The trust and support shown to me by the residents of Castlereagh South means a great deal. My approach as a public representative has always been to work hard, listen carefully and deliver outcomes that make a real difference to individuals, families and communities. That will remain my focus as Mayor.”
“I would also like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Alderman Amanda Grehan, and to Deputy Mayor, Alderman Hazel Legge, who have represented our city with dedication and distinction throughout the past year. Their commitment to inclusivity and community engagement has set a strong foundation for the year ahead.”
Mayor Higginson has chosen Air Ambulance Northern Ireland as his Mayoral Charity.
He added: “Air Ambulance Northern Ireland carries out lifesaving work every single day, and I am proud to support them as my Mayoral Charity. Their dedication, skill and compassion make an extraordinary difference to families across our region, and I look forward to helping raise both awareness and vital funds for their service.”
Following his election as Deputy Mayor, Alderman Aaron McIntyre said: “It is a privilege to be elected Deputy Mayor, and I am grateful to my colleagues and my family for their support. I look forward to working alongside Mayor Higginson in representing the people of Lisburn and Castlereagh over the year ahead.”
The positions of Chair and Vice Chair for council committees were also confirmed at the meeting:
Corporate Services Committee
- Chair: Alderman Paul Porter (DUP)
- Vice-Chair: Councillor Ross McLernon (UUP)
Communities and Wellbeing Committee
- Chair: Councillor Sharon Lowry (APNI)
- Vice Chair: Councillor Bronagh Magee (APNI)
Regeneration and Growth Committee
- Chair: Alderman James Baird (UUP)
- Vice Chair: Alderman Allan Ewart (DUP)
Environment and Sustainability Committee
- Chair: Alderman Sharon Skillen (DUP)
- Vice Chair: Councillor Nicola Parker (APNI)
Planning Committee
- Chair: Councillor Daniel Bassett (SF)
- Vice Chair: Alderman James Tinsley (DUP)
Governance and Audit Committee
- Chair: Councillor Martin McKeever (APNI)