By Harry Ward
Leeds has appointed its first openly gay Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor’s Consort following the city council’s annual general meeting at the Civic Hall.
Councillor Stephen Holroyd was confirmed as the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds on Wednesday, replacing Councillor Dan Cohen in the ceremonial role for the 2026/27 civic year. His partner, Simon Mapals, will serve as Lord Mayor’s Consort.
The appointment comes during the 400th anniversary year of Leeds receiving its royal charter.
Born and raised in Wakefield before moving to Leeds in 2014, Councillor Holroyd was elected to represent the Ardsley and Robin Hood ward in 2023.
Before entering local government, he worked largely in the hospitality sector before moving into financial services.
Alongside his council duties, he also serves as a governor at Thorpe Primary School and has previously undertaken fundraising challenges including the Yorkshire Three Peaks for Macmillan.
The role of Lord Mayor is politically neutral and includes chairing meetings of full council, representing Leeds at civic events and welcoming dignitaries to the city.
Speaking after his appointment, Cllr Holroyd said: “I’m honoured to become the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds, especially as we continue to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Royal Charter creating our city throughout 2026.
“Leeds is an incredibly diverse city, and I’m looking forward to getting out into our communities and meeting as many people as possible, making new friends and drawing people together through celebrating our differences while embracing what binds us together as a city.”
In his speech to the council chamber, Cllr Holroyd also spoke about growing up with dyslexia.
He said: “Growing up, my parents always taught us we could do anything we wanted. Sometimes, with my struggles with dyslexia, it didn’t always feel like it, but here I am today as Lord Mayor of Leeds.”
The Lord Mayor’s Consort, Simon Mapals, who was born and raised in Leeds, has worked in the hospitality industry since the age of 13 and now manages an established LGBTQ+ venue in the city centre.
Speaking after the appointment, he said: “I’m very honoured to become the Lord Mayor’s Consort and to support Stephen in his mayoral duties throughout the coming year.”
As is customary, the incoming Lord Mayor has selected two charities to support during his year in office, Yorkshire MESMAC and St Gemma’s Hospice.
Councillors also appointed Councillor Jane Dowson as vice chair of council during the meeting, while members formally thanked outgoing Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Cohen for his year in office.
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