Ards and North Down Borough Council elects Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2026/27

Released: Wednesday 3 June 2026

Annual Meeting 2026 - (L-R) Deputy Mayor James Cochrane and Mayor Craig Blaney

Ards and North Down Borough Council has elected Councillor Craig Blaney and Councillor James Cochrane to the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the incoming term of office. The appointments were made today, Wednesday 3 June, at the Annual Meeting of the Council.

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The Council extends its congratulations to both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and wishes them every success for the year ahead.

Speaking today, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Blaney outlined his priorities for his Mayoral term;

"I want my year as Mayor to champion enterprise, entrepreneurship and ambition across Ards and North Down, while supporting local businesses, encouraging young people and promoting the Borough as a place of opportunity and potential."

The first monthly meeting of the Council under the direction of the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor will take place on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

For full details of all 40 Elected Members, their relevant committee places and political party see www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/FindMyCouncillor