Lord Mayor's Column - 12th February 2020

Citizenship ceremonies are one of the monthly highlights in my calendar, and yesterday’s ceremony was no exception. I am always delighted to offer a warm welcome to those who have chosen to make Swansea their home. We have so much to offer – a great sense of community, our friendliness, a great landscape, and a changing and emerging cityscape. It is no wonder new citizens are choosing to live and work here.

Yesterday’s ceremony was also the last one of the current Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan’s term of office. He retires at the weekend. Byron Lewis, has served as the Queen‘s representative for the past twelve years with great distinction, commitment and panache. He and his wife Hilary will be a hard act to follow.

Taking over the reins, is Mrs Louise Fleet JP, who held the role as High Sheriff of West Glamorgan in 2017/2018. Louise is a very worthy successor and I very much look forward to working with her over the next few months.

Frances Matthews, private secretary to the Lord Lieutenant also attended the citizenship ceremony yesterday and it was her last ceremony. Frances has served two Lord Lieutenants and is retiring from duty, so it was my pleasure to wish her well and thank her for her service to the county.

Today, I am opening a conference at the Liberty Stadium aimed at promoting what Swansea has to offer residents with physical and sensory disabilities. In the face of an aging population, positively empowering people to live independently in their own home for as long as they are able, becomes increasingly important.

I am looking forward to hearing about the work that is taking place across the City on this initiative and how we can better improve our services.