Kenya-born Lilian Seenoi-Barr is making history as the first Black Mayor in Northern Ireland. She was selected by the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in the country and is set to succeed Sinn Féin’s Patricia Logue as the next first citizen of Derry City and Strabane District Council, according to the BBC.
Lilian Seenoi-Barr spoke about the nomination process, describing it as open to all candidates, despite criticism from some members of the party.
“I put my name forward. There was an open process and I was selected after a very robust interview that all three candidates went through,” she said.
“The communication was clear about the interview process.”
“The process was open for everyone, and they can ask management those questions if they have any reservations, but I want to focus on the position.”
Speaking about her selection, the current deputy mayor and candidate for the position, Jason Barr, who resigned from SDLP said he was “left in an untenable position due to the decisions made by the management committee.”
He stated that these decisions made him realise he was not valued by the party.
Meanwhile, Seenoi-Barr expressed that her selection as mayor would offer people of other ethnicities a beacon of hope, indicating that they can achieve anything, irrespective of their backgrounds.
“I want to be a mayor for everyone and represent every single voice,” she said.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said he was proud to have Councillor Barr represent the party in this capacity.
