Kenya-born Lilian Seenoi-Barr is set to make history in Northern Ireland after she was selected by the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) to become the first black mayor in the country.

The BBC reported that Ms Seenoi-Barr will succeed Sinn Féin’s Patricia Logue as the next first citizen of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Speaking to the BBC about the process of her nomination, which some have criticised other members of the party, who had their eyes on the position, she said “it was an open process” for all candidates.

“I put my name forward. There was an open process and I was selected after a very robust interview that all three candidates went through,” she said. “The communication was clear about the interview process.” 

“The process was open for everyone, and they can ask management those questions if they have any reservations, but I want to focus on the position.”

Following Ms Seenoi-Barr’s selection, Jason Barr, the current deputy mayor and candidate for the position, resigned from SDLP, stating he had been “left in an untenable position due to the decisions made by the management committee.”

“It has left a sour taste that I am not valued by the party I once believed in,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ms Seenoi-Barr said her selection as mayor will give people of other ethnicities a glimpse of hope that they can achieve anything, regardless of their backgrounds.

“I want to be a mayor for everyone and represent every single voice,” she said.