New Deputy Lord Mayor hopes to be a 'point of help' for Portsmouth residents during 'difficult' times

Councillor Rob Wood was officially chosen to replace Cllr Ben Dowling during a full council meeting this week attended by only 17 members in a bid to reduce the risk of coronavirus.

Usually the position would not be filled until the annual mayor-making ceremony in May, however Cllr Dowling had chosen to stand down from the role - meaning there would be no one to progress to the top spot of Lord Mayor at that time.

Lib Dem Cllr Wood, who represents St Thomas ward, will hold the position alongside wife Debbie as Deputy Lady Mayoress until May when it is likely he will become Lord Mayor.

Cllr Wood said: 'Obviously for myself and Debbie it is a great honour to represent the city.

'We're in very strange times. I am very conscious of the fact we are here almost to act as a point of help for city residents during this difficult time.

'We are not doing this as a ceremonial thing but to do what we can in the position to help people.'

Cllr Dowling made the decision to stand down as Deputy Lord Mayor in January saying he would not be able to do 'justice' to the Lord Mayor role which he would have taken from Lord Mayor Cllr David Fuller.

During the council meeting group leaders thanked Cllr Dowling for his work.

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: 'Thank you to Cllr Dowling for all his work as Deputy Lord Mayor and for taking the difficult decision to stand down. I would like to propose Cllr Rob Wood as Deputy Lord Mayor and I'm sure he and Debbie will do an excellent job.'

Cllr Donna Jones added: 'Also my thanks to Cllr Dowling for his work over the last 10 or so months.

'I'm delighted to formally second the proposal for Rob Wood to take over. I think he'll make a great advocate for the city as will his Lady Mayoress Debbie.'

It is not yet known whether the mayor making ceremony will go ahead in May due to the threat of Covid-19.