NI's new mayors get their chains of office

Several Northern Ireland boroughs have named new mayors and deputy mayors after the positions were decided at council meetings on Monday evening.

In Belfast, Tracy Kelly has become the city's first female lord mayor from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Paul Doherty of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) was chosen as Belfast's deputy lord mayor.

So far, seven of the 11 council areas have announced who their new civil leaders will be for the coming year.

Tracy Kelly is from the Donegall Road area of the city and has served as a South Belfast councillor since May 2019.

"I'm very proud of where I come from, and my working class roots," the new lord mayor said.

The 47 year old used to work in community development, which sparked her interest in politics.

She is currently office manager at the DUP constituency office of Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots but previously worked for their late colleague Christopher Stalford.

Stalford, who died suddenly three years ago, aged 39, had encouraged her to become involved in politics.

On taking on the chain of office, Kelly said she owed a lot to Stalford, saying he was "not only my work colleague but my friend, and without Christopher I would not be sitting here tonight".

She pledged to visit all parts of the city during her year in office.

Kelly said she also wanted to "reach out" to young people who are disengaged from education, employment and training and to ensure "no-one is left behind".

Kelly is the eighth woman to become lord mayor of Belfast but only the second female unionist to become the city's lord mayor.

The late Grace Bannister, from the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), held the position in 1981 and there is a footbridge in east Belfast named in her honour.

The DUP has held the position of lord mayor in Belfast nine times, among them were Nigel Dodds, Sammy Wilson and current party leader Gavin Robinson.

Asked about being the first female from the party in the role, Kelly said she felt "very privileged".

But she added women "are now taking more and more leadership roles" and pointed out that the DUP has already had a female party leader.

Kelly takes over from outgoing lord mayor Micky Murray of the Alliance Party, who described himself as the first "openly gay" first citizen in Belfast.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Council has appointed its first female mayor since its formation in 2015.

Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick from the UUP said she was "deeply honoured" to be elected to the role.

"I am fully committed to supporting grassroots movements in our communities and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity."

Kirkpatrick will be supported by Alliance Councillor Julie Gilmour who has been named as deputy mayor.

"I am really looking forward to working with Leah and being part of an all-female team, united by shared goals of building a more inclusive society," Gilmour said.

Stephen Moutray from the DUP will serve as the new lord mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough after a council meeting on Monday evening.

"My top priority is to grow the local economy and do all I can to create a more prosperous business environment," the Lurgan councillor said.

Jessica Johnston, a 25-year-old Alliance councillor from Donaghcloney, also became ABC Council's youngest ever deputy lord mayor.

"I am immensely proud to step into this honorary role at such an early stage in my political career and thrilled to be representing people in the place I call home."

Sinn Féin councillor Oliver McMullan is the new mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council with Alliance councillor Richard Stewart selected as deputy mayor.

McMullan said he "was extremely pleased" to take on the role, adding he "very much looked forward to working with Alderman Stewart".

As mayor, he said he wanted to ensure the area is "shown in its best light" and to support everyone who "makes this a wonderful and beautiful place to live".

Stewart told BBC News NI that he was delighted to become the first openly gay person to hold the role of deputy mayor in the council.

He added he believes his appointment is a "real milestone" for the local LGBTQ+ community in the borough.

"I hope my appointment sends a positive message to those who have ever felt unseen or unheard — that there is a place for everyone in public life," Stewart said.

Sinn Féin councillor Ruairí McHugh has said he is "one very proud Castlederg man" after being installed as the new mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Speaking to BBC News NI, McHugh said he wants to be "an inclusive and grassroots mayor" and represent everyone in the city and district to the best of his ability.

He first entered politics after being co-opted to fill the vacant council seat of his late father, Charlie, who died a month earlier.

"I hope that he is by my side and is also as proud of me, as I am of him, as I take on this position of mayor," McHugh said in his inaugural speech.

He also paid tribute to the outgoing mayor Lillian Seenoi Barr, who he said was subjected to "some vile abuse" during her year as first citizen.

The DUP's Niree McMorris was appointed as the new deputy mayor of Derry City and Strabane during proceedings on Monday.

UUP councillor Jackson Minford said he was "honoured and humbled" to become mayor of the borough of Mid and East Antrim.

"Over the next year, I aim to champion initiatives that support our local economy, promote tourism and strengthen community ties," he said.

Councillor Tyler Hoey, from the DUP, was selected as deputy mayor.

He said he plans "to be a visible and approachable figure in our communities, listening to residents and advocating on their behalf".

Newry, Mourne and Down Council has elected two Sinn Féin councillors to the positions of chairperson and deputy chairperson of the district.

Philip Campbell from Downpatrick took the top post and said he plans to focus on empowering young people through community projects, sport and the arts.

"As someone raised in Downpatrick, this district isn't just where I live—it's who I am.

"I'm proud to call it home, proud to raise my family here and proud of the people who make it such a special place," he said.

The new deputy chairperson, Newry councillor Geraldine Kearns, said she would work to "promote what's best about our district and to stand up for workers, families and communities."

Clogher Valley councillor Frances Burton of the DUP has been named as the new chair of Mid Ulster District Council.

Burton has served as a councillor since 2005 and has held the position of Deputy Chair twice. in 2018/19 and 2022/23.

The SDLP's Moyola councillor Denise Johnston has been named as deputy chair.

Johnston was elected as a councillor in 2023, and is a long-standing campaigner, championing causes including the protection of Lough Neagh and the need for urgent action on road safety.