Cosgrove takes on role of UUP council group leader

All 12 UUP candidates secured seats on the new 40-member super-council as the party increased its local representation.

Glengormley Councillor Mark Cosgrove, the Mallusk-based businessman, takes on the role of group leader and party nominating officer.

Experienced Airport DEA representative and current Deputy Presiding Councillor of the Shadow Council, Mervyn Rea will serve as deputy group leader, while former Antrim Mayor, Councillor Paul Michael, will operate as the group’s chief whip.

“May’s election brought very significant gains for the Ulster Unionist Party in the Antrim and Newtownabbey areas and we are determined to use our enhanced mandate to positively influence the day to day lives of our constituents,” Cllr Cosgrove commented.

“There are many challenges and significant opportunities ahead to develop policies that could make a very real impact on the ground, especially in terms of local economic development and planning policy, and I am sure our team will play a key leadership role in the development of these core strands.”

The UUP business spokesman added: “The new powers can be an economic game changer for the people we represent and it is vital we maximise the opportunities they offer.

“There is a good balance to our leadership team which should allow for the smooth integration of all our councillors into our larger combined group.”