Lord Mayor 2026 to 2027, Councillor Stephen Holroyd

Councillor Stephen Holroyd was born and raised in Wakefield, where he developed a strong sense of community that continues to shape his public service. He began his career in hospitality and later moved into the financial sector, supporting customers across Leeds and beyond. Having relocated to Leeds in 2014, Stephen made the city his permanent home and in 2023 he was elected as councillor for the Ardsley and Robin Hood ward, an area with personal significance to his family.

Alongside his council duties, Stephen serves as a governor at Thorpe Primary School, helping support local children’s education and wellbeing. He is also a dedicated fundraiser, having completed charitable challenges such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks for Macmillan.

Stephen will be supported throughout his mayoral year by his partner, Mr Simon Mapals, who is honoured and privileged to take on the role of the Lord Mayor’s Consort.

Role and responsibilities

As the first citizen of Leeds, the role of the Lord Mayor is to act as an ambassador for the city, meeting with citizens and communities and welcoming visiting dignitaries from home and abroad. The Lord Mayor holds a ceremonial, diplomatic role, meaning that they cannot engage in political matters during their time in office. They are not an elected mayor and therefore have no influence over policy and decision making.

Please contact your local councillor, local Member of Parliament, or the elected Mayor of West Yorkshire if you have any council or government related queries or concerns.

The Lord Mayor’s term of office is annual and normally starts on the third Thursday of May, however this can be subject to change.

Title and mode of address

The correct style for the Lord Mayor in writing is:
"The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leeds."

When starting your letter or email you should use:
"My dear Lord Mayor"

Verbally, in formal situations, the style is "My Lord Mayor", though in less formal circumstances it is quite correct when referring to the Civic Heads or introducing them to use simply "Lord Mayor" and when the Lord Mayor's consort is present the "Lord Mayor of Leeds and the Lord Mayor's consort".

The Lord Mayor is normally accompanied by the Sergeant-at-Mace or an Attendant, from whom advice on matters of protocol may be sought.             

Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal 2026 to 2027

Each Lord Mayor chooses a Leeds based charity, close to their heart, to champion during their year of office.

Throughout the year, the Lord Mayor focuses on the work of their chosen charity, with the aim of bringing the whole city together to raise awareness and funds through hosting a range of events and activities. It is a fantastic way for the city to support a local charity and show their civic pride.

MESMAC and St Gemma's Hospice

Councillor Stephen Holroyd is supporting MESMAC and St Gemma's Hospice during his term of office.

MESMAC

For over 35 years MESMAC has supported the LGBTQ+ community in Leeds and today supports even more marginalised communities across the city. They provide a wide range of sexual health and HIV services, together with training.

Find out more information about MESMAC on their website.

St Gemma's Hospice

St Gemma's Hospice is one of the UK's leading hospices providing the best possible end of life treatment, pain relief and symptom control for those with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Find out more information about St Gemma's Hospice on their website.

Just One Day

Every year the Lord Mayor reaches out to organisations in the city to ask for their support in fundraising for the Lord Mayor’s charity.

Organisations from all sectors are invited to participate in 'Just One Day' - one day per year that is dedicated to raising money and awareness for the Lord Mayor’s charity.

By working with organisations of all sectors at all levels, 'Just One Day' brings the city together to support the most vulnerable.

Find more information on our 'Just One Day' page.