Applause breaks out for new Mayor after emotional tribute

The newly elected Mayor of Knowsley was given a spontaneous and heartfelt round of applause during an emotional council meeting in Huyton today (Friday May 17).

Cllr Ken McGlashen was duly appointed as Mayor for the municipal year 2024/2025 and replaces the former-incumbent, Cllr Eddie Connor who served the office for two terms. During his tenure, Cllr Connor raised over £21,000 for charity including funds for Breast Mates and Knowsley Central School.

During the ceremony, Labour Cllr Graham Morgan was also re-confirmed as Leader of the council with Cllr Tony Brennan appointed the Deputy Leader. The cabinet was also selected and councillors were assigned to various committees and advisory and working groups.

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Responding to his re-appointment as Leader, Cllr Morgan said: “It continues to be a huge honour and a privilege to lead this Council. Since I became Leader in 2018, so much has changed, and we have faced unexpected challenges including the pandemic and cost of living crisis, which have been some of the toughest our borough has ever faced.

“Throughout it all, we have stayed focused on what’s important – helping our communities to thrive and being ambitious for a prosperous future.

“Our focus is on continuing this good work; supporting our residents and investing in our borough.”

However, the highlight of the annual meeting was the inauguration of Knowsley's new Mayor who will take his seat during the borough's 50th anniversary year. Councillor McGlashan, has been a resident of Page Moss for 86 years, and has served the Knowsley community since his election to the council in 1996. During his tenure, Cllr McGlashan has served on numerous committees related to areas such as housing, health, planning, and human resources.

As part of his role, Cllr McGlashan will oversee The Mayor of Knowsley Charity Fund which was established to support local residents and has raised over £175,000 for charitable causes in the past 10 years. For the 2024/25 year, the new Mayor has chosen to support the Northwest Air Ambulance Service, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and Prescot Parish Church’s Roof Fund.

In his ceremonial address to the council chamber, Mayor McGlashan expressed his thanks to all members and thanked his predecessor for his hard work and dedication. There was also a moving moment as Cllr McGlashan's voice broke with emotion as he announced his daughter, Anne would act as the Mayoress of Knowsley which led to a spontaneous round of applause from everyone present.

Asked about this after the meeting, Cllr McGlashan explained: "My daughter is a twin and one of nine. Her brother was sadly a cot death at about three months old. Her mother unfortunately died twenty six years ago so what better person to represent our family and the borough than my daughter, Anne."

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