Taking up the role at 27 years old, he will be the youngest Mayor in the Council’s history, and the first openly LGBTQIA+ person to hold the office.

Speaking after being sworn in, Councillor Dickson has said: “Having been born and bred right here in Lisburn, to be given the opportunity to represent the area as Mayor is an immense honour. To be the youngest person to ever hold the office, and the first openly gay person to do so, only makes me that much prouder.

“Representation is so important, and I’ll be working to increase youth participation in civic life and to make sure young people feel more involved in the decisions which affect them locally. I’m also incredibly passionate about promoting mental well-being and championing environmental issues, both of which will be core themes of my mayoral term.

“I’m looking forward now to getting out there and engaging with everyone right across the local community, from those doing invaluable work in the community and voluntary sectors, to business owners, to everyone on the ground making Lisburn and Castlereagh all that it is.”