A LONG-SERVING councillor described as “Newport-born and bred” has been elected to be the city’s new mayor for the 2018/19 municipal year.

Labour councillor Malcolm Linton received the ceremonial robe and chains at a ceremony at the civic centre on Tuesday evening.

Cllr Linton, who has been a ward member for Ringland since 2004, was nominated by leader Councillor Debbie Wilcox.

“Malcolm is Newport-born and bred, living on Corporation Road before moving onto the Ringland estate when it was newly-built,” said Cllr Wilcox.

“As local councillor, he serves as governor of Milton Primary School, a school he attended himself as a boy before moving onto Hartridge High School.

“Malcolm may not be as familiar a face outside of his ward, he hasn’t held a chair or cabinet member post. But that has no reckoning in his nomination as mayor.”

Cllr Wilcox added: “This post is well and truly deserved, he is a grassroots councillor who has served his ward and city exceptionally well.”

The nomination was seconded by Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of the council’s Conservative group.

He said: “Many of us here have stood where you are stood now and know that it’s both an exciting and daunting prospect to take on those chains.”

“All I can say is, enjoy it, you’ve earned it. I know that you will receive a warm welcome from the very many people you will meet as you go about your duties.”

Cllr Linton will be joined in his civic duties by his wife Sharon, who will become mayoress, while Councillor Philip Hourihane and his wife Merille will be their deputies.

In his first remarks as mayor, Cllr Linton thanked his fellow councillors for electing him into office.

“It’s a huge honour to represent my home city as its first citizen,” he said.

“I’m humbled and privileged to be given this opportunity and I promise to do my best to service this city this year.”

Cllr Linton also praised the outgoing mayor and mayoress, Councillor David Fouweather and his wife Paula.

“You’ve truly done Newport proud this year. You’ve set the bar really high and you’ll be a tough act to follow,” he added.

The meeting heard that Cllr Fouweather had raised more than £21,500 for his chosen charities in the last year.

“Paula and I have had a fantastic year in office – to serve as this city’s mayor and mayoress is a privilege,” said Cllr Fouweather.

Cllr Linton’s chosen charities for the year will be the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Epilepsy Action Cymru (Wales).