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Mar 26 - Lombard Reacts To Shock Decision To Deny Him Mayor Appointment

Former Mayor Tony Lombard who was, until last week, expected to take over from current Mayor Tony Lima at the end of this month, has issued a public statement about Fabian Picardo’s reasons for reversing a decision made in 2012. Mr Lombard says the explanations offered by the Chief Minister are “simply not credible.”

The statement in full is as follows:

Following the settlement of the Mayoral succession and in the interests of my reputation and posterity, I respond to the treatment, which the Chief Minister [‘CM’] has seen fit to afford me. 

As the Leader of the Opposition, stated, in Parliament, the CM's explanations are simply not credible.

The CM publicly announced my Mayoral re-appointment, on the 1st August 2012 and, since then, during the last 18 months, has always acted in consonance with the same.

Specifically, since the beginning of this year alone, he has personally confirmed my projected return to City Hall, on, at least, two occasions, with the Deputy Chief Minister acting in a similar fashion, in connection with an, additional, third occasion. 

Moreover, two Ministers have personally, assured me they knew nothing about my deposal, having first heard about the same, when I took the liberty to apprise them of the development, only days before the matter became public.

Further, when this community faces such considerable political and economic challenges and yet no public protest has arisen, are we seriously expected to believe my modest appointment, as Mayor, would have galvanised the general public to such a degree? 

It all beggars belief; most especially, when, ironically, the appointments which, eventually, materialised, failed to enjoy the support of the Opposition, and, by extension, the 8,000 electorate, which the Opposition represents.

Importantly, the excuses spun by the CM are wholly contrary to the huge number of reactions I have constantly received, on the ground, both, pending my return to City Hall and, especially so, following the announcement of my deposal.

Whilst detractors may be a part of public life, political maturity requires they be placed into context and dealt with accordingly.

Needless to say, I have always acted with utmost integrity, good faith and honesty, in what I have perceived were the interests of my compatriots and their political emancipation, and without fear, or favour, or reward, or benefit.

Furthermore, I rest upon my record of voluntary public service to this community, which spans over 30 years, and has included membership upon, and on most occasions leadership of, over 14 public or charitable bodies, or responsibilities, throughout all Administrations and many different Ministers, since 1983; not to mention, a very considerable number of historical and journalistic contributions, plus an even greater quantity of letters, to popular newspaper columns and platforms of free speech, in support of Gibraltar and Gibraltarian subjects.

The CM suggested I might wish to avoid personal embarrassment by requesting to be released from the Government’s promise to be re-appointed Mayor. However, in the event, I declined his offer.

The fact of the matter was that I was much looking forward to returning to City Hall.  As was well known, it was my intention to attempt to develop and harness the 705 year old Mayoral Office, established in 1309, via all manner of numerous and exciting possible ventures, both locally and internationally, as might have further empowered our community. 

It should have been a privilege and pleasure to have undertaken all of the same, with unbridled pride in our selves and our noble city; not least, when the Mayoralty of Gibraltar is 105 years older than the Mayoralty of London.

(Pic: Gibmetal77)