Councillor Debra Anne Marie Pitts has been selected to serve as the Mayor of Douglas for the 2017-2018 municipal year.

At a special meeting of the council held on Friday March 31 Members voted unanimously to agree the recommendation made by the executive committee.

Proposer was Councillor Ritchie McNicholl and seconder Councillor Carol Malarkey.

The Mayor Select, who represents Derby Ward, is the daughter of the late Dot Pitts, who served as Mayor in 2008-2009 and Councillor Stephen Pitts who held the office in 2001-2002.

Accepting the nomination she said she was ‘delighted’ to have been selected, adding: ‘I’d like to thank my fellow councillors for having the confidence in me to carry out the important role of first citizen.’

She continued: ‘I am committed to working hard to promote our town and the Council.’

In closing she said: ‘Personally I’d like to say what an honour it will be to be the Mayor in the council’s 121st year and I will be humbled to follow in the both my mother’s and father’s footsteps. I will wear the chains with pride and dignity and serve the people of Douglas to the best of my ability.’

Council leader David Christian said: ‘I am confident Councillor Miss Pitts will bring the same level of unwavering commitment and dedication to her role as Mayor of Douglas as she does to serving her constituents and the wider community. On behalf of the council I offer my sincere congratulations and wish her every success.’

The selection of Councillor Pitts to serve as Mayor of Douglas for the 2017-2018 municipal year is subject to confirmation at the annual general meeting of the council on Wednesday May 10. She will succeed Councillor John Skinner who will leave office that same day.