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News Release: Queen Appoints New Lord Lieutenant

10 January 2011

The Queen has announced that Mushtaq Ahmad OBE has been appointed as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Lanarkshire to succeed Gilbert Cox CVO, MBE who retired earlier this year.

Mushtaq becomes the first Asian Lord-Lieutenant in Scotland and only the second in the UK.

Born in India, Mushtaq studied at Murray College and JI College, Sialkot where he gained his BA in Economics from the University of Punjab in Pakistan. He came to the UK in 1963 and studied at the University of Glasgow for his MA, followed by teacher training at Jordanhill College of Education. He taught Economics and Modern Studies for 2 years in Scotland, spent 3 years in London heading an East London school’s department, before returning to Lanarkshire working as Specialist Organiser for the largest Adult Basic Education Programme in Scotland for 17 years.

Mushtaq said: “I was really honoured to be appointed into this role and to be given this opportunity to serve the people of Lanarkshire.

“I look forward to meeting our residents and supporting community charities and events during my commission and I thank Her Majesty the Queen for giving me this very special opportunity.

“My family including my three sons and two daughters are very proud of my appointment and I can’t wait to get started in my new role.”

North Lanarkshire Provost Tom Curley said: “I would like to extend my congratulation to Mushtaq on his appointment and having known him for a number of years, I know he will be a dedicated ambassador for Lanarkshire.

“I look forward to working closely with Mushtaq and wish him every success during his commission.”

South Lanarkshire Provost Russell Clearie MBE added: "Following in the footsteps of Gilbert Cox will be a tough act to follow.

"But having been Mushtaq's Depute when he was Provost of South Lanarkshire, I know he will rise to the challenge and not only represent the Queen to the very best of his abilities but will serve the people of Lanarkshire and promote the area with the same dedication that he has always shown over the many years that he has been in public service."

Over several years, he served the community in Lanarkshire as a councillor in the Dalserf Ward with Hamilton District and South Lanarkshire Council’s holding a number of posts as well as being Chairman of the Justice Committee for thirteen years.

Mushtaq had the honour of being elected Provost of South Lanarkshire in May 2003 and served in this post until his retirement in 2007. (The first Asian to be so appointed in Scotland) Since his retirement, he has carried out a great deal of voluntary work and is currently the Chairman of the Hamilton District Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

For more information on this story, contact Andrew Craney on 01698 302167 or by email at craneya@northlan.gov.uk

 

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