New Mayor and Deputy Mayor appointed for Mid and East Antrim

Newly appointed Mayor Councillor Jackson Minford, and Deputy Mayor Councillor Tyler Hoey for 2025/26

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has officially welcomed Councillor Jackson Minford as the new Mayor, with Councillor Tyler Hoey appointed Deputy Mayor, following the Council’s Annual General Meeting on Monday 2 June.

The appointments were confirmed during the Council’s AGM, held at The Braid in Ballymena, where Council members also finalised committee chairs, deputy chairs and memberships for the incoming year.

Councillor Minford, who represents the Bannside DEA and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), assumes the role of Mayor from Alderman William McCaughey.

Alderman McCaughey had stepped into the position in April following the passing of Alderman Beth Adger MBE, a long-serving and highly respected figure within the Council.

Newly appointed Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford

In his inaugural remarks, Mayor Minford said he was “honoured and humbled” by the appointment.

“This is a responsibility I take with great pride, and I am committed to doing my utmost to serve every corner of our Borough,” he stated.

“I look forward to working with the new Deputy Mayor to represent our communities with integrity and dedication.

“Our Borough has so much to offer – from our vibrant towns and villages to our strong industrial base and outstanding natural beauty.

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

“It will also be a privilege to meet and support the many volunteers, community leaders and organisations that are the heartbeat of our area.

“I’ll be selecting a charity of the year soon and hope to use my term to shine a spotlight on its work and help raise valuable funds.”

As Mayor, Councillor Minford will act as the chief civic representative of the Borough, chairing Council meetings, representing Mid and East Antrim at ceremonial events, and supporting community and business wellbeing across the region.

Newly appointed Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Tyler Hoey for 2025/26

The Deputy Mayoral chain was passed to Councillor Tyler Hoey, who also represents Bannside DEA and is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Councillor Hoey outlined his commitment to engaging directly with constituents.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside the Mayor and fellow Councillors to help build a Borough that is inclusive, forward-thinking and supportive of all its citizens,” said Councillor Hoey.

“In the year ahead, I plan to be a visible and approachable figure in our communities, listening to residents and advocating on their behalf.

“I believe in the power of partnership, and by working together across political and community lines, we can deliver meaningful progress for everyone in Mid and East Antrim.”

Both Councillor Minford and Councillor Hoey are expected to play a key role in driving forward Council priorities over the coming year, including economic development, community engagement, and cultural promotion across the Borough’s towns, villages and rural communities.