The Ulster Unionist Party are delighted to announce that Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick (nee Smyth) will become the first-ever female Mayor for the Antrim and Newtownabbey council. Since the formation of the super council in 2015, there have been 10 male Mayors, and Leah will become the first female to take up the role on the council.

Speaking to Leah, she said, “I cannot even begin to describe how honoured and privileged I feel as the New Mayor of our amazing, award-winning council.

“I’d like to thank our nominating officer, Alderman Cosgrove, for nominating me for this position. Since 2019, I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of Ulster Unionist councillors here in Antrim and Newtownabbey. Their friendship, support and guidance have been invaluable during my time as an elected representative. I’d also like to pay tribute to my friend and former colleague, Jim Montgomery, for the invaluable role he played in my career.

“To my husband and my two daughters - I love you all so much. You are my biggest supporters and the ones I get strength from when times get tough.

“If you’d told 16-year-old Leah that she would one day be the first Female Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, she would’ve laughed. That teenage girl was riddled with anxiety and had no belief in herself whatsoever. Therefore, I hope that I’m able to inspire even just a young girl to believe in herself and realise that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.

“I am a proud Antrim woman, however, I am passionate about the growth, prosperity and betterment of our whole Borough and hope that will be evident to everyone during this year.”

Alderman Mark Cosgrove continued, “It is a tremendous honour to nominate Leah as the incoming Mayor for the 2025/26 term. Elected to the Borough in her mid-20s back in 2019, Leah has always strived to make the Borough as accessible and inclusive as possible using her own lived experiences. With Leah’s eldest daughter having a life-changing severe autism medical diagnosis, she has always been passionate about improving the Borough for those with disabilities and increasing support for the parents and carers of those children with disabilities. Leah has always worked her hardest to deliver the necessary changes for the betterment of society.

“On a personal level, I first met Leah when she was a 16-year-old Young Unionist at an event in Templepatrick. I was immediately struck by her passion for her local community and had even completed work experience with Danny Kinahan.

“But for me, she is a real working-class hero showing all of our citizens that there is really no glass ceiling on what you can achieve. Raised and lived in Antrim all her life, this is a journey that should inspire all our young people, no matter what their background or socioeconomic status, that with talent and application, you can achieve literally anything.

“I know all of Leah’s Ulster Unionist colleagues will be delighted to see her become Mayor, and we look forward to supporting her in her role over the next year.”

Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA, Steve Aiken OBE, concluded, “Mayor Leah Kirkpatrick is an outstanding local councillor who works tirelessly for all the people of our Borough. Historically, she is also the first woman to hold this post and brings a wealth of experience and understanding as our constituency manager; she always goes the extra mile to help those most disadvantaged.

“It is an exciting time to be the Mayor of our Borough, and Leah will also be an outstanding ambassador for us all and an inspiration for everyone, of whatever background, to get involved in local representation. May I also wish Gary and her children, as well as her very supportive family, all our regards, and I know they are all so proud of what Leah has achieved.”