New mayors and deputy mayors have been appointed throughout Northern Ireland, as the eleven councils go through the process of announcing their leadership teams for the 2025/26 term. We go through each council in NI.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has selected Ruth Lawrence as their new councillor for the Braid DEA. She replaces Beth Adger, who sadly passed away last month after a period of illness.
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) have co-opted Brian Thompson to the Ballymena DEA on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to replace Colin Crawford MLA, who replaced Robin Swann in the Assembly.
David Clarke was co-opted to a seat on Mid & East Antrim Borough Council by the DUP in October 2023, but has since quit the party after ‘internal spats’ and has now joined the TUV.
David Clarke has resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party after being admitted to hospital, which he claims was due to stress caused by “internal party spats”.
David Clarke has been returned to fill the vacancy on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, following the co-option of Cheryl Brownlee to the Assembly.
The vacancy on Mid & East Antrim Borough Council was created following the resignation of Cllr John Hyland in August.
A change in circumstances means that John Hyland will return to Liverpool and step down from his councillor role.
