New Lord Provost of Glasgow announced

Published: 19 May 2022

North Glasgow Councillor Jacqueline McLaren has been elected Lord Provost of Glasgow City Council.

Lord Provost McLaren (57), who represents the Scottish National Party in the Canal Ward, said: "It's the honour of my life to represent the city of Glasgow and the people who make Glasgow. I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received, and I am obviously delighted."

Glasgow's First citizen was first elected as a councillor in 2017 and was returned to represent the area where she was born and has strong family connections earlier this month. In her five years as a councillor, Lord Provost McLaren has been a passionate advocate of community empowerment and the social and physical regeneration of her ward.

She added: "I'm an ordinary Glaswegian who has been given an extraordinary opportunity to represent the people of my great city. People who know me, know what you see is what you get. I don't have airs and graces. My plan is to work hard and be as accessible and open as possible representing my city and our citizens.

"I want the people of Glasgow to know that I am available to them and that I am here to serve them. The door of my office is open to them."

Lord Provost McLaren grew up in Rolland Street and The Valley areas of Maryhill. For over 25 years she has worked for her family's legal practice with her partner Ian McCarthy. The couple have a 23-year-old son, Christopher.

Joining Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren and voted in as Depute Lord Provost today - Thursday 19 May - at the Full Council meeting is Councillor Christy Mearns, who represents the Scottish Green Party and who served as Depute Lord Provost in the last council term.

Councillor Patricia Ferguson was nominated by the Labour Group at the meeting and a vote took place in the chamber.