Tom Gordon takes chain of office as new Mid and East Antrim mayor

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has appointed a new mayor and deputy mayor for the year ahead, with Bannside DUP Alderman Thomas Gordon taking on the borough’s top civic role and Carrick Castle Ulster Unionist Councillor Bethany Carson-Ferris named as deputy mayor.

The appointments were confirmed during the council’s Annual Meeting at The Braid in Ballymena on Monday evening, June 1, marking the beginning of a new civic year across Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus.

Alderman Gordon succeeds outgoing mayor Councillor Jackson Minford following his year as the borough’s First Citizen during 2025/26.

The meeting also saw councillors agree committee chairs, deputy chairs and memberships for the incoming council year, shaping how major decisions across Mid and East Antrim will be handled over the next 12 months.

New mayor says it is a ‘great honour’ to serve the borough

Speaking after his appointment, Alderman Gordon said he was proud to take on the role and looked forward to representing communities across the borough.

“I am deeply proud to have been appointed Mayor of Mid and East Antrim and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of this Borough,” he said.

“Mid and East Antrim is home to strong, welcoming and resilient communities and I look forward to representing residents, businesses, voluntary groups and organisations across Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and our surrounding towns and villages.

“Over the next year, I want to use this role to celebrate the people and places that make our Borough special, support initiatives that bring communities together, as well as champion the opportunities we have across industry, tourism and the environment.

“It will be a privilege to meet those who give so much of their time to others and I look forward to working closely with the Deputy Mayor and Elected Members right across Council in the year ahead.

“I will also be announcing my chosen charity in due course and hope to use my term in office to raise awareness of its important work.”

As mayor, Alderman Gordon will act as the chief civic representative of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The role includes chairing full council meetings, attending civic and ceremonial engagements, welcoming official visitors to the borough and supporting initiatives linked to community wellbeing, local pride and economic promotion.

The mayor also plays a public role in recognising the contribution of volunteers, organisations and local groups across the borough’s towns and villages.

Deputy mayor pledges to support communities across Mid and East Antrim

Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Bethany Carson-Ferris

Newly appointed deputy mayor Councillor Bethany Carson-Ferris said she was looking forward to working alongside the mayor and engaging with communities across Mid and East Antrim during the year ahead.

“I am honoured to have been appointed Deputy Mayor and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead,” she said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people across Mid and East Antrim, listen to what matters to them and support the work being done every day by our community groups, businesses, schools, charities and volunteers.

“I look forward to working alongside the Mayor and fellow Councillors to help promote a positive, inclusive and ambitious Borough for everyone.”

The appointments come at a significant time for the borough, with major decisions expected in the months ahead around economic investment, tourism, regeneration projects, community services and local development across Mid and East Antrim.

Both the mayor and deputy mayor will now begin a packed programme of civic engagements and public events throughout the borough over the coming year.