Councillor Kelly has resided in Antrim Town his whole life and has been a representative for the area for 14 years. Professionally, he is a registered nurse and has worked in health and social care for over 40 years.

Cllr Kelly has said: “It is a privilege to have been selected as Mayor, and I’m excited now to hit the ground running and get to work. Being given the opportunity to represent the people of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area as First Citizen is an honour of a lifetime.

“I am eager to continue addressing important issues affecting people here, engaging with everyone right across the local community. From business owners to voluntary organisations to the general public, I want to lend an ear to everyone from every background.

“My new role comes with a great deal of responsibility, and I want to promote positive, progressive politics by focusing on 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.

“I am extremely proud to have been born and raised in Antrim Town. Antrim and Newtownabbey is my home, and throughout my mayoral term I hope I can make all residents living here equally as proud.”