He was born, raised, and currently still resides in Antrim Town, and has represented the people of the area as a Councillor for 14 years. He is also a registered nurse and has worked in health and social care for over 40 years. In his free time, he enjoys walking his dog, Murphy, in the Borough’s open green spaces.

Cllr Kelly has said: “To have had the privilege of representing the people of Antrim Town for the last 14 years at Council has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I’m incredibly proud to now have the chance to serve them, as well as everyone else in the wider Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area, as their next mayor, standing on a platform of positive, progressive politics.

“I’m greatly looking forward to hitting the ground running, working with people right across the local community, from business owners to voluntary organisations to the general public, on issues that are important to all of us. Including economic development and regeneration of our town centres, championing green policies and active travel, addressing the cost-of-living crisis and combatting poverty, and promoting good relations and social cohesion, among many others.

“I’m currently still looking into which charities I’ll be supporting during my mayoral year, but I am keen to show my support for local charities focused on issues which are very close to my heart, including support for those with special educational needs, and animal welfare.

“Antrim and Newtownabbey is my home, and I’m excited to get out there and see first-hand the incredible work done by the people of the Borough.”