The new mayor and deputy mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan for 2026-27 have been officially appointed by the county’s full council.
The decision took place at Vale of Glamorgan Council’s annual meeting in which authority members elect various chairs and vice-chairs of committees.
For 2026-27 the mayor is now Carys Stallard, who represents the St Brides Major ward.
She previously served as deputy mayor under the previous mayor Naomi Marshallsea.
The new deputy mayor is Belinda Loveluck-Edwards who represents the Dyfan ward.
This follows both councillors being selected as mayor-elect and deputy mayor-elect in March of this year.
During the meeting Cllr Joanna Protheroe, who nominated the mayor, said of Cllr Stallard: “[She] has a knack of perfectly blending community engagement with her passions for the environment, grassroots sports, and the Welsh language and her heritage.”
She continued: “[Cllr Stallard] builds bridges to break down cultural barriers and embodies the spirit of Y Gymraeg and community cohesion, using sport as a tool to create an inclusive environment where backgrounds do not matter.”
Regarding the new deputy mayor Cllr Helen Payne, who put forward the nomination, said: “Belinda has shown a deep commitment to our community through her hard work, compassion, and dedication to public service.”
She continued: “She has always been someone who listens carefully, speaks thoughtfully, and works tirelessly on behalf of residents across her ward.”
The procedural role of the mayor is to preside over the principal meetings of the council which are held four times each year. If they are not available then the deputy mayor presides.
The mayor also has ceremonial duties which include civic ceremonies, royal visits, charity events, recognising the achievements of council staff and residents, and hosting receptions and functions.
At the end of the meeting item the outgoing mayor, Cllr Naomi Marshallsea, said she was “really happy to hand over to two incredibly feisty women”.
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