Northern Ireland Welcomes New Mayors Across Boroughs

Several councils in Northern Ireland have appointed new mayors and deputy mayors following council meetings held on Monday evening.

In Belfast, Tracy Kelly has been named the city’s first female Lord Mayor from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Paul Doherty of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) was chosen as Belfast’s Deputy Lord Mayor.

Tracy Kelly, a 47-year-old councillor from the Donegall Road area, has served as a South Belfast councillor since May 2019. She previously worked in community development, which sparked her interest in politics. Currently, she serves as office manager at the DUP constituency office of Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots and previously worked for their late colleague Christopher Stalford.

Upon receiving the chain of office, Kelly expressed gratitude towards Stalford, stating, “He was not only my work colleague but my friend, and without Christopher, I would not be sitting here tonight.” She pledged to visit all parts of the city during her year in office and aims to engage with young people who are disengaged from education, employment, and training to ensure “no one is left behind.”

So far, seven of the 11 council areas have announced their new civil leaders for the coming year.

The appointment of new mayors and deputy mayors marks a significant moment in local governance, reflecting the evolving political landscape in Northern Ireland.