The unionist dominated Lisburn and Castlereagh Council has elected its first ever Sinn Fein deputy mayor at today's (June 8) council AGM.
Killultagh councillor, Gary McCleave topped the poll in the local election in May making him the first councillor elected to the local authority.
Cllr McCleave was first elected to the council in 2019 as one of the two Sinn Fein reps, before the republican party doubled to four seats in 2023. He takes over in the position from Alliance councillor, Michelle Guy.
Read more: Lisburn and Castlereagh election results in full as Alliance surge.
Downshire East, DUP councillor, Andrew Gowan takes over as Mayor from his party colleague Scott Carson, who failed to be re-elected to the local authority.
Deputy Mayor McCleave said: "I am extremely grateful to my party for giving me the opportunity to become deputy mayor.
"It is the first time Sinn Fein has held the position and I am immensely proud. It is a very significant moment. I look forward to building a relationship with our new mayor and meeting people along the way.
"I will be working for all our communities right across the council area and I look forward to what will be I am sure an exciting year.
"Just over four years ago I was elected to this council and if I am honest I never thought I'd see out the term, but I am still here.
"I love being able to help people in my role as a councillor and supporting our communities, but none of this would be possible without the support of my family, and my wife in particular.
"Also, my son who can't be here today as he is doing his last A-Level exams, so I'd like to take the opportunity to wish him and all the other exam children good luck."
He added: "And finally, I'd like to welcome all new members of the council. It is a change to say the least and I look forward to meeting you all. Thank you."
Speaking at the AGM, Mayor Gowan pledged his chosen charity as the Cancer Fund for Children.
He said: “It is truly an honour to be nominated as mayor and I will give this role my all throughout the next year.
“I look forward to working in partnership with local people, to deliver positive outcomes for everyone. As a father of four young children, I want to engage young people in many aspects of civic life and lead by example to inspire future generations.
“My wife Nicola is a cancer nurse and we are both amazed by the outstanding work of Cancer Fund for Children within Northern Ireland.
"They support families through their toughest moments as they help children and young people living with cancer themselves or dealing with a parent who has cancer.
"I am delighted to support the Cancer Fund for Children in the year ahead and I will do all I can to raise much needed funds and awareness for the work they do.”
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