Ards and North Down Borough Council has elected Councillor Craig Blaney as Mayor and Councillor James Cochrane as Deputy Mayor for the 2026/27 municipal year. The appointments were made at the council's annual meeting on Wednesday 3 June.

Following his election, the new Mayor said his term would focus on promoting enterprise, entrepreneurship and ambition across the borough. He indicated support for local businesses, encouragement for young people, and a drive to position the area as a place of opportunity and potential.

The first council meeting under the new leadership is scheduled for Wednesday 24 June. The council has 40 elected members representing the borough's wards, with details of all councillors and their committee roles available on the council website.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor officially take up their duties immediately following the annual meeting, serving for the standard one-year term.