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Patricia Lewsley has been named as the new Northern Ireland commissioner for children and young people and will take up the post in January.

She currently chairs the all-party assembly groups on children and young people, disability, diabetes, anti-poverty, and ethnic minorities.

On her appointment, Lewsely said: “I am passionate about the rights and best interests of children and always have been. My past record speaks for itself. As commissioner for children and young people, I will be able to focus all of my energies on that work and I intend to approach the job with the vitality and enthusiasm the post needs and deserves.”

Lewsley went on pay tribute to Nigel Williams, Northern Ireland’s first commissioner for children and young people, who died earlier in the year.

“I am looking forward to taking up the post and working with the team to build on the strong foundation put in place by Nigel Williams,” she said.

“I also want to get out and meet as many children and young people as I can – so that they know who I am and what I can do for them. As commissioner for children and young people, I will be a powerful, influential and independent voice for all children and young people.”