History of Role of the Mayor

All Councils in Northern Ireland are required by legislation to have a Chair of Council. Council’s however which have been conferred City Status by Royal Charter have the added opportunity to  appoint a Mayor of Council.

Throughout its history, the city of Derry/Londonderry has been granted a total of five Charters. The first Charter was granted back in 1604 by James I. The present day city status however is the result of a second Charter granted in 1613 as part of the Plantation of Ulster.  This Charter is the one which conferred the role of Mayor.

Mayors have been a part of the history of the City from this time to present day. Following the re-organisation of Local Government in April 2015, the City Status from the previous Derry City Council has been retained and has transferred to the new Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Derry City and Strabane District Council is one of five cities in Northern Ireland; including Armagh, Belfast, Lisburn and Newry.

The Mayor of Council is provided with a Chain of Office which signifies their position and makes them easily recognisable to the public. The Mayor is assisted by the Deputy Mayor of Council who deputises for the Mayor when required. The Deputy Mayor is also provided with a Chain of Office.
The Mayor of Council is appointed each year at the Annual General Meeting