First, fear. Now, first female Mayor: Leah Kirkpatrick’s inspiring journey

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick

From a teenager gripped by anxiety and self-doubt to making history as the first-ever female Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council — Leah Kirkpatrick’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.

The Ulster Unionist Party councillor has been appointed Mayor for the 2025/26 term, breaking a decade-long tradition of male leadership since the council’s formation in 2015. But for Leah Kirkpatrick, this is far more than a political milestone — it’s a deeply personal triumph over fear, uncertainty, and adversity.

“If you’d told 16-year-old Leah that she would one day be the first Female Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, she would’ve laughed,” she said in an emotional statement.

“That teenage girl was riddled with anxiety and had no belief in herself whatsoever. Therefore, I hope that I’m able to inspire even just a young girl to believe in herself and realise that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.”

Kirkpatrick, elected to the council in her mid-20s, has served the Borough with compassion and determination, drawing strength from her own lived experiences — both personal and political. Her commitment to inclusivity and support for families, particularly those affected by disability, has shaped her work from day one.

“I am a proud Antrim woman, however, I am passionate about the growth, prosperity and betterment of our whole Borough and hope that will be evident to everyone during this year,” she added.

Her motivation runs deep. As a mother of two, including a daughter with a severe autism diagnosis, Kirkpatrick has consistently advocated for better support for children with disabilities and their carers.

“To my husband and my two daughters – I love you all so much. You are my biggest supporters and the ones I get strength from when times get tough,” she shared. “I’d also like to pay tribute to my friend and former colleague, Jim Montgomery, for the invaluable role he played in my career.”

Alderman Mark Cosgrove, who nominated Kirkpatrick for the role, first met her as a 16-year-old Young Unionist. He described her as “a real working-class hero”.

“Raised and lived in Antrim all her life, this is a journey that should inspire all our young people, no matter what their background or socioeconomic status, that with talent and application, you can achieve literally anything,” he said.

“With Leah’s eldest daughter having a life-changing severe autism medical diagnosis, she has always been passionate about improving the Borough for those with disabilities and increasing support for the parents and carers of those children with disabilities.”

Cosgrove praised her tireless efforts in making the Borough more inclusive and accessible, calling her nomination a “tremendous honour”.

Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA, Steve Aiken OBE, echoed the praise, describing Kirkpatrick as “an outstanding local councillor who works tirelessly for all the people of our Borough.”

“Historically, she is also the first woman to hold this post and brings a wealth of experience and understanding… she always goes the extra mile to help those most disadvantaged,” he said.

“Leah will also be an outstanding ambassador for us all and an inspiration for everyone, of whatever background, to get involved in local representation.”

Kirkpatrick also extended heartfelt thanks to her Ulster Unionist colleagues, describing their support since her election in 2019 as “invaluable”.

“I’d like to thank our nominating officer, Alderman Cosgrove, for nominating me for this position. Since 2019, I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of Ulster Unionist councillors here in Antrim and Newtownabbey.”

Her words are now already resonating far beyond council chambers. Leah Kirkpatrick’s journey offers something powerful: proof that self-doubt can be overcome, voices once quiet can lead, and leadership can come from anywhere.