New Female Mayors Installed in Belfast, Antrim, Armagh Councils

Tracy Kelly has been installed as the new Lord Mayor of Belfast, becoming the first female from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to hold the position. Kelly emphasized her commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind as Belfast continues to develop, focusing particularly on supporting young people not in employment, education, or training to connect with emerging job opportunities. She has a background in community development and currently works as the office manager for DUP MLA and Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots. Meanwhile, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick was appointed as the first female Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, pledging to support grassroots movements and empower young people. In Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Alderman Stephen Moutray took office as the new Lord Mayor, prioritizing economic growth and a prosperous business environment. These appointments highlight a focus on community inclusion, youth empowerment, and economic development across Northern Ireland councils.