Mary Foy - Gateshead City councillor

Mary Foy was first elected in 2006 and has recently been elected on to the cabinet which she describes as "exciting and daunting." She was previously a local parish councillor and represents the ward where she lives, having been inspired to stand for election by her husband, Paul, who is also a councillor, in the neighbouring ward.

With three teenage children, one of whom is disabled, Mary acknowledges that:

She also gives credit to her "very understanding boss" who enables her to work flexible hours and fit her council duties around her family responsibilities. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is still very important, so Mary makes time to be with her family, including playing and singing Irish and folk music, and supporting her youngest daughter in Irish dancing competitions
 
Mary also puts her council activism down to her faith. She is National Chair for the Movement of Christian Workers, following from her involvement in the Young Christian Workers earlier in her life. These organisations provide training and formation for workers to be active in their workplace and communities as well as having an understanding of and solidarity with workers across the globe. Mary says: