City’s next mayor ‘deeply honoured’ by nomination

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Newport’s next mayor said she is “deeply honoured” to be chosen to serve in the role for 2025/26.

Cllr Kate Thomas has represented the Stow Hill ward for the Labour Party since 2012.

Following her nomination, she called Newport “an amazing place to live, work, get out and about in, and enjoy”.

“We have so much to be proud of – it’s growing and it’s great,” she said of the city, adding that for her mayoral term she “looks forward to meeting many of the groups supporting people across the city, old friends and those who will become new ones during the coming year”.

Born in Birmingham and with Welsh relatives, Cllr Thomas moved to Stow Hill in 2000.

She has worked for what was then the Charter Housing Association (now Pobl) supporting people who have learning disabilities, as well as the National Autistic Society, Newport Mind and GAVO.

Cllr Thomas also said she is proud of her 20 years of voluntary work with the independent organisation Llais, which provides a voice and advocacy for users of the NHS.

Cllr Thomas was nominated to serve as the 2025/26 mayor of Newport by deputy leader Cllr Deb Davies and Conservative group leader Cllr Matthew Evans.

Speaking to colleagues at a meeting this week, Cllr Davies said: “Cllr Thomas is an incredibly hard-working and experienced councillor, I think everybody will agree. 

“She’s worked on a number of committees, including the democratic services committee, performance scrutiny committee [for] place and corporate, and is currently the chair of the licensing committee.

“Cllr Thomas is also on the board of governors for Maes Ebbw School and St Woolos Primary School. 

“I’m sure everyone will agree with me and join me in wishing Cllr Thomas the best for the year.”

Turning to Cllr Thomas, she added: “You’ve got a lot to look forward to.”

Cllr Thomas will succeed the current mayor of Newport, Cllr Ray Mogford, later this year.