SDLP councillor, John Boyle is expected to become the new mayor of Derry and Strabane when the party takes over the position from Sinn Féin later this year.
Mr Boyle, the current deputy mayor, defeated fellow councillor, Shauna Cusack to win the SDLP nomination for the position at a selection convention in Derry. Under the d’Hondt power sharing arrangement operated by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the SDLP is due to take the mayoralty from June this year.
Veteran Ulster Unionist councillor, Derek Hussey from Castlederg is the front runner to become deputy mayor.
Following his nomination, Mr Boyle said he was delighted as the SDLP nominee for mayor.
Mr Boyle said his priority as mayor would be to focus on job creation and investment and to achieve a City Deal for Derry.