DUP alderman 'deeply proud' to be appointed mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough
The new mayor of Mid and East Antrim said he plans to use his year in office to celebrate the people and places that make the borough special.
Alderman Thomas Gordon also highlighted that he intends to use his role to support initiatives that bring communities together, as well as champion opportunities for industry, tourism and the environment.
Ald Gordon (DUP) was named as the new mayor at the council’s annual meeting, held at The Braid, on Monday evening. Councillor Bethany Carson Ferris (UUP) has been appointed deputy mayor.
Ald Gordon, who represents Bannside, takes up the role of mayor from Councillor Jackson Minford who served as the borough’s first citizen during 2025/26.
The new mayor said it was a great honour to assume the role.
"I am deeply proud to have been appointed Mayor of Mid and East Antrim and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of this borough,” Ald Gordon said.
"Mid and East Antrim is home to strong, welcoming and resilient communities and I look forward to representing residents, businesses, voluntary groups and organisations across Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and our surrounding towns and villages.
"Over the next year, I want to use this role to celebrate the people and places that make our borough special, support initiatives that bring communities together, as well as champion the opportunities we have across industry, tourism and the environment.
"It will be a privilege to meet those who give so much of their time to others and I look forward to working closely with the deputy mayor and elected members right across Council in the year ahead.
"I will also be announcing my chosen charity in due course and hope to use my term in office to raise awareness of its important work.”
As mayor, Ald Gordon will serve as the chief civic representative of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. The role includes chairing council meetings, attending civic and ceremonial events, welcoming visitors to the borough and supporting initiatives that promote community wellbeing and local pride.
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The mayor also plays an important role in recognising the contribution of local people, organisations and volunteers, while helping to showcase Mid and East Antrim as a place to live, work, visit and invest.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Bethany Carson-Ferris, who represents Carrick Castle area, said she was looking forward to supporting the mayor and serving communities across the borough.
She said: “I am honoured to have been appointed deputy mayor and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people across Mid and East Antrim, listen to what matters to them and support the work being done every day by our community groups, businesses, schools, charities and volunteers.
"I look forward to working alongside the mayor and fellow councillors to help promote a positive, inclusive and ambitious borough for everyone.”
During the annual meeting, the council also agreed the chairs, deputy chairs and memberships of its committees for the incoming year.