Mayor Leah Kirkpatrick gives inspiring speech at Ulster Unionist party conference

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, has given a moving speech at Ulster Unionist Party Conference.

Councillor Kirkpatrick, nee Smyth, has been a member of the Ulster Unionist Party for around ten years,being elected onto council in 2019.

She was elected Deputy Mayor in 2022–23 and earlier this year became the first woman to hold the office of Mayor in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Before entering elected politics, she worked in several constituency offices, supporting figures such as Adrian Watson MLA, Danny Kinahan MP, Steve Aiken MLA, and Robin Swann MP.

Her first daughter, Eva, was born when she was just 20 years old and still studying at university. Eva was diagnosed with severe autism, ADHD, and complex learning difficulties at a young age.

Addressing an audience under the theme “Mayor, Mother and Unionist,” Councillor Kirkpatrick spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced, the realities of being a working parent in politics, and her mission to create a more inclusive and accessible society.

“For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Leah Kirkpatrick. I’m 33 years old, recently married, and a proud mum to two beautiful girls, aged 12 and 10,” she said.

“I first stood for election in 2019 with no real expectation of being elected – yet here I am, now in my second term representing the Antrim DEA.”

“I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge over those years and the guidance and support that I have been given has been wonderful,

“I spent years working behind the scenes for politicians, always thinking, ‘That world just isn’t for me,’”

“I studied Politics and Criminology at the University of Ulster, so yes – I understood political structures and theories. But what I lacked back then was the confidence and self-belief to stand up and say, ‘I belong in this space too.’

“By the age of two, Eva was diagnosed with severe autism and learning difficulties. Later came a diagnosis of ADHD and other complex behavioural needs,” she shared.

“Today, Eva is almost 13. She’s non-verbal and will never be able to live independently – but she is the strongest person I know.”

“When I look back, it wasn’t my politics degree that prepared me for this role – it was life,

“My life experience is what fuels my passion and purpose in politics today.”

Councillor Kirkpatrick has called for more female visibility and representation in politics, particularly from mothers and working-class backgrounds.

“Why aren’t more women like me stepping into public life?” she asked. “It’s a serious question we need to keep asking. Why are so many capable women watching from the side-lines, believing politics isn’t a space for them?”

“After I was elected, one of the very first comments I received was, ‘She only got in because she’s young and blonde.’

“I still see comments about my hair, how I dress – things that have nothing to do with my work, my ability or my impact.”

“Society still expects mothers to work like they don’t have children, and parent like they don’t have a job,” she added.

“Meetings and events are often scheduled in ways that are completely unrealistic for working parents.”“I soon realised that I didn’t need to change who I was – I needed to be the change,” she said. “Someone like me had to step into this role, because if not now, then when would that change ever come?

“We need to focus on engaging young people, especially young women, and encouraging them to get involved. It’s vital that they know they matter, they are the future, and their voices and contributions are essential to shaping it.”

The Mayor’s chosen charities for the year reflect her support of the most vulnerable people in society.

They are The British Deaf Association, The MacMillan Unit, Antrim Area Hospital and All About Us – ASD Teens Antrim.

“I am determined to use my platform to champion accessibility, to shine a light on the challenges faced by those with disabilities and their families, and to do all I can to make life that little bit easier for them,” she said.

“These three charities hold a special place in my heart and do incredible work that positively impacts countless lives,” she added.

Turning to her own roots, she added: “I come from a working-class background, and I’m incredibly proud of that,” she said.

“Alongside my fellow representatives in South Antrim, we’re making a meaningful impact at the grassroots level – particularly since the election of Robin Swann as our local MP, whose track record to date has been outstanding.”

Closing her speech, Mayor Kirkpatrick said: “To every young female who may hear me today, worry less about fitting into glass slippers – and more about shattering glass ceilings,” she said.

“You are capable, you are valued and you are so, so badly needed.

“Public life needs younger voices, female voices, working-class voices, mothers, and caregivers – people with real stories, real grit, and real passion to make things better.”

Taking to the podium, South Antrim MP Robin Swann said: “Conference, what a year it has been in Westminster.

“‘Things can only get better.’ Or so they said. Despite a decade and a half of opposition to prepare, it’s now clear that Labour did not come into government with a plan that will make the average person, business or farmer better off – quite the opposite.

“Unfortunately, our small businesses, family farms and some of the most vulnerable in society have felt the brunt of the short-sighted decisions taken by the new government.”

Mr Swann went on to highlight the work he’s doing for the people of South Antrim:

“When I took my seat in the Commons, I committed to representing the people, the communities and the businesses of South Antrim in any way I can, and that is what I’ve done.

“Championing rail expansion between Antrim and Lisburn, with a connection at Belfast International Airport, stressing the need for urgent action to address the ecological disaster we’re seeing each summer at Lough Neagh.

“Providing practical proposals and solutions to tackle the high cost of motor insurance. Greater support for local business and entrepreneurship. These are some bread-and-butter issues that will make a real impact on the day to-day lives of my constituents and I’m proud to champion them.”