First time in council history as two women take top civic roles together in Causeway Coast & Glens

Mayor, Councillor Dawn Huggins (left) and Deputy Mayor, Alderman Sandra Hunter. 

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has made history after appointing two women simultaneously to its top civic positions for the first time since the authority was formed.

DUP Councillor Dawn Huggins has officially been installed as the new Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, while UUP Alderman Sandra Hunter has taken on the role of Deputy Mayor for the year ahead.

The appointments were confirmed during Monday evening’s Annual Council Meeting at Cloonavin, marking a significant moment for the borough’s political leadership and civic representation.

Councillor Huggins, who represents the Bann DEA, succeeds outgoing Mayor Councillor Oliver McMullan and will now take on the chain of office during what is expected to be a busy year for the council across tourism, regeneration, economic development and local services.

Historic moment for borough leadership

While women have previously held both civic positions individually within the borough and its legacy councils, this is understood to be the first occasion that both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts have been occupied by women at the same time.

The development marks a symbolic milestone for the council and reflects changing political representation across local government in Northern Ireland.

In her opening address following the appointment, Councillor Huggins said she was accepting the role with “humility and determination”.

She told the chamber:

“To be entrusted with this role by my colleagues in this chamber is both a privilege and a responsibility that I accept with humility and determination.”

The new Mayor also used her first speech to focus on the borough’s economic potential and the importance of supporting communities across both urban and rural areas.

“I am proud of our Borough, from our towns and villages to our rural heartlands, and of the people who make it such a strong, resilient and forward-looking place to live and work,” she said.

“As we look ahead to the incoming year, I believe there is real opportunity across the Borough to strengthen our local economy and deliver meaningful progress for our communities.”

Deputy Mayor pledges commitment to all communities

New Deputy Mayor Alderman Sandra Hunter, who represents the Causeway DEA, also spoke of her pride at taking on the position.

She said:

“It is a privilege to take on this role and I do so with humility and a strong commitment to serve all within our Borough.”

Alderman Hunter added:

“Causeway Coast and Glens is a place I am incredibly proud to represent.

“I look forward to working closely with the Mayor and all councillors in the year ahead.

“Together let us serve our Borough with pride, optimism and a shared sense of purpose.”

New civic year begins amid major challenges and opportunities

The annual meeting formally launches the new civic year for the council, with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor expected to represent the borough at hundreds of engagements, commemorations, community events and official functions over the next 12 months.

The appointments also come at a time when councils across Northern Ireland continue to face growing pressure over budgets, infrastructure investment, tourism growth and public service delivery.

For Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the year ahead is likely to include continued focus on economic regeneration, town centre investment, tourism development and supporting local communities across the borough’s wide rural and coastal areas.

The historic double appointment ensured Monday evening’s meeting was not simply a routine annual handover, but a notable moment in the council’s civic history.