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LESLEY'S SECOND IN COMMAND OF JOBCENTRE PLUS

STRANRAER woman Lesley Strathie has just become the second most powerful member in the Jobcentre empire.

This week she was unveiled as second-in-command of Jobcentre Plus.

As Chief Operating Officer, Lesley is number two in an organisation employing more than 80,000 staff in 1600 Jobcentres and social security offices throughout Scotland, England and Wales.

As 16 year old Leslie Cooke, she started work with the Department of Health and Social Security in Stranraer in 1971 on a six-week casual contract.

Back home in Stranraer this week, Lesley, who was the last Dux at Stranraer Academy before the school became a comprehensive, told the Free Press

"I had one job application and apart from applying for promotion, that has been me since 10th December 1971. I have lived all around the country including the Home Counties and London, all from that six-week contract.

" It just shows what can happen if you apply yourself".