Alliance selects McAllister as Lord Mayor

The North Belfast Councillor, who has served the area since 2014, will take up the role in June for a year under the party’s d’Hondt allocation. The 28-year-old will become the first Alliance Lord Mayor since current party Leader Naomi Long MLA in 2009/10.

Nuala said she wanted to use the position to provide a positive voice for everyone in the city.

“Belfast is a growing city, both in size and diversity. I want to embrace that and celebrate the positives across all of our community. I want to use the position of Lord Mayor to include all the people of Belfast in that vision, so people can see the many things the city has to be proud of.

“I will be the first Alliance Lord Mayor since Naomi Long and I want to follow in her example of truly working for everyone, giving them ownership of the role as well. It will be an absolute honour to serve each and every citizen, and I will feel privileged to do so.

“In a time when public confidence in politics is eroding fast, I want to demonstrate how an open, inclusive and positive year can showcase the best of Belfast for everyone.”