Deputy Mayor takes up the chain of office

Mr Beckett took up the chain of office at the Council AGM on Wednesday, June 25 and will serve his term as Deputy to newly elected Mayor Councillor Andrew Ewing.

Mr Beckett was first elected to represent the people of Killultagh in 2005, winning his third election in May of this year.

During his time as a councillor he has served as the Chairman of Lisburn City Council’s Leisure Services Committee and was heavily involved in the city’s role during the 2012 Olympic Games.

“I had been a member of the DUP for many years,” explained Mr Beckett, who also works for Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson.

“After the Good Friday Agreement I felt I could do something to help local people and I’m not scared of hard work.

“I have really enjoyed my time on the Council and I am looking forward to the year ahead.

“I was delighted to be elected as Deputy Mayor, it is a real privilege, especially as this will be the final year of Lisburn City Council in its current form.”

Mr Beckett said he was looking forward to working closely with his Party colleague, Mayor Andrew Ewing. “I have known Andrew for a long time and I will be doing as much as I can to help and support him.”

Mr Beckett has already been attending engagements representing the people of Lisburn and is also looking forward to getting his running shoes on to support the Mayor’s chosen charity - Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“I do the Great North Run every year as I am a keen runner,” he explained. 
“Andrew’s choice of charity is very good and I have connections with Marie Curie Cancer Care following the death of my own sister. I told him I would do the run in aid of his charity and I’m hoping to raise as much money as I can.”