Tom Ekin was elected to Belfast City Council in 1997, representing the Alliance Party. Ekin was chair of Council's Good Relations and Working Group. He initiated an anti-litter drive to improve Belfast's appearance. He served on Council until 2014.

Ekin was chairperson of the Alliance Party from 2000 to 2002. During his time as councillor Ekin was vocal in his support for the removal of Belfast's 'peace walls'. He proposed a strategy for their removal at a council meeting in September 2011.