MIDLOTHIAN'S deputy provost Connor McManus has been named this year’s Young Councillor of the Year at a prestigious national awards ceremony.
SNP Councillor McManus was recognised at the LGIU Scotland and CCLA Awards in Dundee.
The ceremony heard that McManus, 23, had to fight for recognition and respect as he starts his career as a councillor “partly because of his youth and partly because of his high profile in the LGBTIA+ community”.
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The awards presenter said: “Facing these challenges means Connor has already grown into a fantastic councillor.
“As well as taking on the role of deputy provost and equalities champion in Midlothian Council the culture change he has inspired means that in Midlothian it is the first time a young person’s voice has been directly at the table involved in policy making."
The LGIU Scotland (Local Government Information Unit) and CCLA (a fund manager for councils and charities) Awards were held at Caird Hall by the hosts Dundee City Council last night (Wednesday).
McManus said: “I was delighted to receive this award, particularly given the tough competition from across the country.”
“The LGIU judging panel highlighted the work that I have carried out to make sure that young and LGBT+ voices are heard in the council.
“I’m really pleased that I’ve been able to hit the ground running to make that happen, but there is still much more to do.”
“They also highlighted the work that I do locally in my own ward, and I hope that as well as making my own community proud that I can inspire other young people to become more engaged in the work that the council does.”
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