Iwillbe provost forall
The first openly gay provost has vowed to work hard for everyone in East Ayrshire.
Labour councillor Barry Douglas, 39, is the youngest ever to wear the chain in the local authority.
Sadly, councillor Douglas lost his father in January after he contracted Covid. He said dad John would be so proud of him landing the important job.
The Kilmarnock East and Hurlford politician said: “I miss my dad immensely.
“I believe he is somewhere looking down on me with pride. He had multiple sclerosis and dementia but we never thought we would lose him to Covid.”
Taking over as civic head from ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll provost’ Jim Todd, councillor Douglas said he intends to break the mould like his predecessor.
He said: “I hope I can also break the mould as the youngest provost since East Ayrshire was formed in 1996 and the first openly gay man to hold the role.
“I will be the provost for everybody. I will serve East Ayrshire to the best of my ability. I am delighted to become provost. You can’t help but feel sad for Jim Todd. He has been an excellent provost. I thank everyone who placed their support in me.”
Politicians from Labour, Conservatives and The Rubbish Party voted to put councillor Douglas in the position at a heated meeting last Thursday.
Responding to SNP criticism over the change, Councillor Douglas said: “This was a normal vote that happens every year. Labour have put forward nominees in the past who have not won. In this situation I won. It is not about colluding.”
His engagements as provost have already started and councillor Douglas is looking forward to getting out there and added: “The post of provost does not belong to any politician, person, party, or the council - it belongs to the people. It will be great to get out and see the good work in our community.
“I hope I can be a positive ambassador for all of our communities in East Ayrshire for the next 10 months until the council elections.”