Deputy Lord Mayor

The current Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast is Alderman Ruth Patterson (DUP).

A representative for the Balmoral area of east Belfast, she was elected to office on 26 May 2011 and will continue to serve as Deputy Lord Mayor until June 2012.

Duties and responsibilities

As Deputy Lord Mayor, Alderman Patterson represents Belfast when the Lord Mayor is not available.

However, unlike the Lord Mayor, she continues to serve on council committees during her year in office and combines this work with her mayoral engagements.

Alderman Patterson also works closely with the Lord Mayor and the High Sheriff on projects and initiatives which help to enhance the profile of Belfast.

Addressing the Deputy Lord Mayor

If you are speaking in public and would like to welcome or introduce the Deputy Lord Mayor, the usual form of address is simply 'Deputy Lord Mayor'. For example, "and so, I'd like to welcome Alderman Ruth Patterson, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast."

If you are speaking to the Deputy Lord Mayor in conversation, the correct title remains 'Deputy Lord Mayor'.

If you would like to write to the Deputy Lord Mayor, you should address your letter to 'the Deputy Lord Mayor, Alderman Ruth Patterson'. You should also begin your letter with 'Dear Deputy Lord Mayor'.