Galer inaugurated as city councillor

Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker congratulates new Dunedin city councillor Jo Galer at her inauguration yesterday.

Cr Galer was elected by a margin of 89 votes in a by-election last week, required after the death of councillor and former mayor Jules Radich in January.

Cr Galer said she was ‘‘raring to go’’ and it was a lovely feeling to be backed by friends, family and supporters yesterday.

She spent most of her first meeting outside the council chambers rather than inside, as non-public matters, including a report on a code of conduct breach by Cr Benedict Ong, were considered for about 40 minutes before she was sworn in.