MIDDLESBROUGH’S two new councillors have been sworn in and have started their work by paying tribute to their predecessors.
Cllrs Vic Walkington and Jan Mohan were elected earlier this month in by-elections for the Ayresome and Park End and Beckfields wards respectively.
The by-elections were called following the sad deaths of the long-serving and highly respected councillors Bernie Taylor and Peter Cox.
Cllr Walkington, who has been elected as a Labour member, said: “I am pleased to represent the people of Ayresome and hope I can repay the trust they have put in me and I hope to do as good a job as Bernie Taylor did for the ward.”
Cllr Mohan, an independent who will join Middlesbrough Independent Councillors Association (MICA), said: “I’d known Peter for over 10 years as a friend and a neighbour. As a person and a councillor he was a fantastic, honest professional and somebody who was respected. I would like to continue his legacy for the people of Beckfields and Park End.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “I would like to welcome Councillors Walkington and Mohan to Middlesbrough Council.
“This is an exciting time for Middlesbrough and there are many opportunities to get involved in the Council’s agenda to take the town forward.”
The two new members have attended Middlesbrough Town Hall to sign the declaration of acceptance of office. Their first Council business will be their attendance at full Council on Wednesday, July 26.
As Cllr Taylor was a Labour member and Cllr Cox a member of MICA the political balance of the Council remains as before.