GLASGOW'S new Lord Provost has vowed to work with fellow councillors to modernise the medieval role to benefit the city's citizens while representing his constituents.

Lord Provost Philip Braat, who has been in post for just over a week, explained to the Glasgow Times that the role dates back to the 1450s.

The former Baillie and Depute Lord Provost says he will consult with colleagues across the political spectrum to collect ideas on what he might do differently.

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Mr Braat said: "I want to work with everyone because it is in the best interest of the city.

"The role of Lord Provost has always been non political and it will remain that way. I am keen to get discussions up and running as soon as possible regarding the modernisation of the role.

"Although I am now the first citizen of Glasgow, my constituents will always remain a priority. I am very excited by this opportunity."

Mr Braat who was elected by councillors on Thursday, January 24 told his mother of his good news first.

He explained: "I didn't want to assume I would be elected or cause my family anxiety so I didn't tell them until after I was given the title.

"I phoned my mum during a break at the full council meeting. When she answered she asked if I had something to tell her. It was a very emotional phone call."

Since then the new Lord Provost has been finding his feet and is hoping to repay the trust that his colleagues have placed in him.

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Mr Braat continued: "I am very privileged and honoured to represent and become the civic head of the city where I was born.

"I know there is a lot of responsibility and I will work every single day to repay the trust that my colleagues have placed in me.

"I have probably benefited from being a Baillie from 2012 - 2017 serving under the then Lord Provost and in 2017 I became the Depute Lord Provost.

"I want to show visitors that Glasgow is, in my opinion, the best city in the world. I am extremely proud to represent it."

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The Lord Provost also takes on the role of Lord-Lieutenant of Glasgow, and in that capacity, is the Queen's official representative in the city.

The Lord Lieutenant hosts all visits to Glasgow made by members of the royal family as well as events relating to the Armed Forces.

Events include Remembrance Day and Armed Forces Day. Mr Braat will be expected to present awards on behalf of the Queen when Her Majesty is unable to attend Glasgow.

Not only is Mr Braat a figure head for the city but he is now a president and patron of various institutions including the Beatson, Citizen's Theatre, and Erskine Hospital who have been caring for veterans since 1916.

He continued: "My grandfather Philip McMaster, who I am named after, served in WWII. He suffered Alzheimers and because he had a military background an Erskine care home looked after him.

"My grandfather, who was on my mum's side, sadly passed away in 2015, at 88-years-old. I wanted to honour him so I became a Royal Navy Reservist the following year. I am now the Honorary Commander of the HMS Dalriada Royal Navy Reserve.

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"I am proud to be a patron of Erskine because of the family connection and I am proud of what my grandfather achieved in his lifetime. But of course I am honoured to be patron or president of many other charitable organisations, that serve the city."

Mr Braat will continue his work to serve the people of Glasgow.