Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick becomes first female Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick with Deputy Mayor, Councillor Julie Gilmour

In a historic appointment, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has been elected as the new Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, becoming the first woman to hold the post since the Borough Council was established in 2015.

The announcement was made during the Council’s Annual Meeting on Monday 2 June, where it was also confirmed that Councillor Julie Gilmour from the Alliance Party will serve as Deputy Mayor for the incoming year.

Councillor Kirkpatrick, who previously served as Deputy Mayor in 2022/2023, represents the Antrim District Electoral Area and has held her Council seat since 2019. She brings to the role a strong track record of advocating for grassroots initiatives, working-class communities, and inclusive practices.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick

“I am deeply honoured to be elected as Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey,” she said.

“As First Citizen of the Borough, I am fully committed to supporting grassroots movements in our communities and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

“I would like to thank my colleagues in the Ulster Unionist Party for their support and trust in me, and I look forward to working collaboratively across all parties to deliver for our residents and businesses.”

A graduate of Politics with Criminology from the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, and a mother of two, Councillor Kirkpatrick’s appointment marks a milestone in the Council’s history, reflecting the growing presence and influence of women in Northern Ireland’s political landscape.

She will serve as Mayor until June 2026.

Paying tribute to her predecessors, she added:

“I would like to thank my two fellow Antrim colleagues, Councillor Neil Kelly and Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM who have shown great leadership and dedication during their term in office.”

Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour

Joining her as Deputy Mayor is Councillor Julie Gilmour, who represents the Threemilewater DEA and has served on the Council since 2019. Cllr Gilmour expressed enthusiasm about the year ahead and the historic nature of the all-female leadership team.

“It is a great privilege for me to serve as Deputy Mayor,” she said.

“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.

“I’m also very excited to have the opportunity to visit all parts of the Borough and see first-hand the fantastic work being carried out every day.

“As a mother of two teenage sons, I am a passionate advocate for young people. I am fully committed to promoting opportunities for them, ensuring their voices are heard at every level. Empowering the next generation is vital, and I am determined to help provide the support they need to thrive, lead, and shape their futures.”

Council Committee Leadership Announced

The Annual General Meeting also confirmed the incoming Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Council’s key committees, who will serve until June 2026:

• Audit and Risk:

  
  

  • Chair: Alderman Julian McGrath

  • Vice-Chair: Councillor Michael Goodman

• Community Development:

  
  

  • Chair: Councillor Stewart Wilson (UUP)

  • Vice-Chair: Councillor Mathew Brady (DUP)

• Economic Development:

  
  

  • Chair: Councillor Ben Mallon

  • Vice-Chair: Alderman Mark Cosgrove

• Operations:

  
  

  • Chair: Alderman John Smyth

  • Vice-Chair: Councillor Lucille O’Hagan

• Planning:

  
  

  • Chair: Councillor Rosie Kinnear

  • Vice-Chair: Councillor Sam Flanagan

• Policy and Governance:

  
  

  • Chair: Councillor Billy Webb

  • Vice-Chair: Councillor Helen Magill

The appointments reflect a commitment to cross-party collaboration and balanced leadership across the Borough’s governance structures.

With a diverse and inclusive leadership team now in place, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council looks ahead to a new chapter in local representation and civic engagement.