Newcastle has named its new lord mayor, with Byker councillor Veronica Dunn becoming the city’s first citizen after a “lifetime of commitment”.
The east end native was appointed to Newcastle’s highest ceremonial position on Wednesday afternoon, succeeding Karen Robinson in the role. Coun Dunn worked for the city council from 1970 until 2004, first in finance and then in education, and became a vocal figure in the trade union movement in that time – rising to become president of Unison in 2001.
The Labour councillor was first elected to the local authority in 2007 and has also served in its cabinet. Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp told colleagues on Wednesday that his close friend was a "fiercely proud person and fiercely loyal to her friends, family, her convictions, and her city”.
He added: “Having given a lifetime of commitment and dedication to the city and to the people of the city, it seems to me that there is no one more suitable to be nominated for the role of lord mayor.”
Coun Dunn recalled being “overwhelmed” by the size and complexity of the civic centre when she first began work more than five decades ago, joking that the councillors of the time seemed to be “supernatural beings, best avoided if possible”. She has vowed to dedicate her term as lord mayor to the council workers who serve the people of Newcastle, particularly working families and the increasing number of households plunged into poverty.
She said: “This is a fabulous city. I am proud of it and I hope it will be proud of me. I have spent many hours, days, and weeks away, but Newcastle has always been home.”
Her chosen charity for her year in office will be a Newcastle Solidarity Fund, which Coun Kemp was involved in setting up and also previously pledged to give 10% of his salary to, as well as Show Racism the Red Card.
Tributes were paid to the outgoing lord mayor, Karen Robinson, whose historic term has seen her play crucial civic roles following Queen Elizabeth II’s jubilee, her death, and the coronation of King Charles III. Coun Kemp said she had “shone a bright light on the office” with her approachable nature and permanent smile.
Walkergate Labour councillor Maureen Lowson succeeds Coun Dunn in the role of deputy lord mayor and sheriff of Newcastle, and will become lord mayor in 12 months’ time.
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