Long serving Liberal Democrat councillor is new Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne

It is with great pleasure I propose my ward colleague Cllr Ian Graham as Lord Mayor for the forthcoming municipal year, said Cllr Anita Lower, the Liberal Democrat Leader of Newcastle City Council at the Annual Meeting of the Council.

It is especially important because 2016 is the 800th anniversary of the creation of a Lord Mayor for this great city.

What can I say about lan... well, lan has many qualities; he is caring, hardworking and loyal. He is a dedicated family man

who has been married to Margaret for 47 years. They have 3 daughters Lisa, Lindsey and Nicola and, during his time on the council, he and Margaret have gained five grandchildren, Aaron, Finn, Lara, Amelia and Anya.

Ian was born a few years ago in the west end of Newcastle. One of 4 children, he has a sister Jean, brothers Malcolm and the late Neil, who was for many years deputy head at Dinnington First School.

Ian planned a career in the Navy but illness forced him to rethink and he eventually finished his working life when he retired from Newcastle University a couple of years ago. I say retired, however, I seem to have kept him well occupied since.

Ian is not only a ward colleague but also as a friend. He is one of the reasons why I am able to be group leader. He is dedicated to Castle Ward and its residents and I am sure that in his year as Lord Mayor he will show that commitment energy and dedication to the City he is proud to serve.

Council I congratulate lan and wish him a great year as Lord Mayor.