Glasgow councillors are expected to elect their new Depute Lord Provost at this morning’s full council meeting.
It has been more than a year since councillor Philip Braat was promoted to Lord Provost leaving the position vacant during the coronavirus pandemic.
It's understood three candidates are in the running for the position including councillor Christie Mearns from the Greens, Maureen Burke of Labour and SNP Malcolm Balfour.
Scottish Greens councillor, Bailie Christy Mearns, is the first candidate to declare for election. This is the first time in the current council term that a Green councillor has sought election to one of the senior civic roles.
Bailie Christy Mearns said: “If elected, I promise to defend a fair hearing for all elected members and to promote collegiate working in the interests of the council as a whole. It is together that we can best deliver for the people of Glasgow. I believe my election would help the civic leadership present a balanced, public-facing team, showing that elected members can work and lead together, across different ages, genders, backgrounds and political affiliations.
“This need for collective working is more important than ever at this time. Glasgow holds an immense opportunity, as host city of COP26, to lead in the global fight against climate breakdown and to secure a meaningful climate justice legacy for citizens, here and around the world.
“I am also keen to ensure the Council’s civic offices provide a platform to showcase the efforts of citizens, including our children and young people who are already showing outstanding leadership on climate change issues. As a parent of a young child, I believe that our children must be heard – their future depends on urgently addressing the climate crisis and we owe them our undivided attention and commitment.”
Labour Councillor Maureen Burke has put herself forward for consideration because she believes that she has the experience of working with all of Glasgow’s communities to deliver for Glasgow.
She said: “Since being elected in 2012, all my efforts have gone into representing the views and working to improve the lives of people in the North East of the city. It is this passion that I know could hugely benefit the civic role, whilst supporting the Lord Provost and Bailies. Connecting communities to the life and work of the council via the role of Depute Lord Provost, giving the people we represent a stake in the global events that happen in our city.
“It would be my vision to work as a team with the Lord Provost, Philip Braat, reaching out to our communities visiting Care Homes, Schools, organisations and talking to volunteers who have been working tirelessly to support our communities through this difficult time and recognising and thanking them for their hard work.”
SNP councillor Malcolm Balfour was born and raised in Drumchapel. Educated at both local primary and secondary schools, he is married with two children and has been the local councillor for Drumchapel/Anniesland since 2012.
Mr Balfour was unavailable for comment.
