Coun Gerald Wilkinson was re-elected last week as the Conservative councillor for Wetherby. He has served on the council for nine years and will now work with the new Lord Mayor elect, Coun Frank Robinson (Conservative, Calverley and Farsley).

Coun Wilkinson said: “I am delighted at being asked to be Deputy Lord Mayor, and am looking forward to a very enjoyable but, no doubt, hectic, year.”

Coun Wilkinson is no stranger to being a dignitary having served as mayor of Wetherby from 1997 to 2000 and joined Leeds City Council in 1999.

Prior to entering politics, he did National Service from 1952 to 1954 and, while in the RAF he became a football referee and oversaw the 1964/65 West Riding County Challenge Cup Final.

He went on to run a successful soft furnishing shop in Wetherby for 12 years and now lives in Harewood.

Coun Wilkinson was chosen for the role of Deputy Lord Mayor by the Conservative group in Leeds City Council and said some of his experience as Mayor in Wetherby would be useful when he represented Leeds.

His appointment will be confirmed at the council’s annual general meeting later this month.

Coun Wilkinson and his partner, Pat Small, will represent the city at a range of events over the next year.

Already on their agenda is a reception for archbishops from around the world, a Jamaica Society Ball and Wetherby’s Remembrance Day parade, as well as opening fairs, handing out sports prizes and a host of other public events.

The Deputy Lord Mayor’s duty is to attend official functions if for any reason the Lord Mayor is unable to act.