Ian is Labour's top man
LENZIE Academy made political history last week, when a second former pupil of the school was handed a Cabinet post by a British Prime Minister.
Ex-Academy pupil Ian McCartney, the MP for Makerfield, was appointed as the new chairman of the Labour Party by Tony Blair, last Thursday.
Former Pensions Minister is the second former Lenzie Academy pupil to hold a high-ranking Cabinet position - the other being former Secretary of State for Scotland, Tom Johnston.
Mr McCartney said: "It came as a surprise. I thought I was coming across to Number 10 for a meeting with the Prime Minister on an issue I had written to him about."
STRONG TIES
Mr McCartney, who will be 52 later this month, became an MP in 1987. He is regarded by many as a key figure in the Labour Party and has strong links with Labour's grassroots.
His dad - former Clydebank MP Hugh McCartney - admits he's delighted with his son's appointment.
Despite his hectic workload, new Labour chairman Ian has maintained strong ties with the Strathkelvin area.
He told the Herald: "My dad was an MP for 17 years and he has offered a lot of support to me over the years. My own constituency is very similar to Kirkintilloch and I try to get back up to Scotland as much as possible."
Strathkelvin and Bearsden MP John Lyons has welcomed the appointment of Ian McCartney as Labour chairman.
Mr Lyons said: "It is great news that Ian has been promoted to the post. His appointment will be well received, not just within the Parliament, but throughout the party."
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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Temperature: 6 C to 17 C
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