10/05/2022

Michael Long Named New Lord Mayor Of Belfast

Lisnasharragh Alliance councillor Michael Long has been installed as the new Lord Mayor of Belfast.

Mr Long takes over the chain of office from Kate Nicholl who is leaving the office of Lord Mayor early, having been elected to the Local Assembly at the weekend.

It is the second time a Lord Mayor has left office early in recent times – the first, when then Lord Mayor John Finucane was elected MP in 2019 and the chain of office was handed to his party colleague Daniel Baker to serve out the remaining term. Mr Baker was in the role for six months. Councillor Long will hold the post of First Citizen of Belfast until the Council AGM takes place on June 1.

Speaking ahead of a council meeting on Monday night, Councillor Long, said: "It is such an honour to become First Citizen. Although it will only be for a short time – the shortest term in history, I believe – I look forward to being Lord Mayor of the city and consider it a real privilege to have this opportunity.

"I am very proud of Belfast and look forward to getting out and about across the city over the next few weeks to see first-hand the wonderful work that is going on in communities across the city."

Councillor Long, a former High Sheriff of Belfast, was first elected to Belfast City Council in 2014 and represents the Lisnasharragh District Electoral Area.


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