Derry council set to appoint the SDLP's John Boyle as new Mayor tomorrow

The SDLP's John Boyle is expected to be confirmed as the new Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council at the Council's Annual General Meeting at the Guildhall tomorrow evening.

Councillor Boyle, who is currently Deputy Mayor, beat Shauna Cusack after a tied vote to be selected as his party's candidate for the Mayoral position. He has said his main priority would be to acquire a City Deal for Derry.

Under a long-standing D'Hondt agreement which regulates the allocation of Council positions, Councillor Boyle will not face a challenge from another party.

Derek Hussey, the Ulster Unionist councillor from Castlederg, is expected to be appointed Deputy Mayor.

Meanwhile, the DUP have accused the outgoing Sinn Fein Mayor, Maolíosa McHugh, of breaching regulations relating to the conduct of Council meetings.

Alderman Drew Thompson has said his party will be seeking legal advice over a number of Mayor McHugh's actions, claiming 'Prods are not allowed to speak'.

Full story in tomorrow's Derry News.