Mudd is the leader of Newport City Council and portfolio holder for strategic finance and economic growth. She is deputy chair of the cross-border Western Gateway economic partnership. She is also a member of the Cardiff Capital Region Cabinet and CCR portfolio holder for learning, skills and talent. Mudd is also a member of the Key Cities Executive board.
 
With more than 20 years’ experience in higher education and research, Mudd has a background in housing and regeneration. She was formerly head of the Department of Social Policy at Cardiff Metropolitan University having previously led the Department of Applied Community Sciences and Public Protection and is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing and former chair of CIH Cymru, she is also an Independent member of the Regulatory Board for Housing (Wales) and the former board chair of Newport City Homes.
 
Mudd is also deputy presiding officer of the Welsh Local Government Association. A director of Data Cymru, Mudd is also the WLGA spokesperson for digital and innovation. She currently represents the Gwent local authorities on the WLGA Safer Communities Board and is also the WLGA spokesperson for equalities.