Leeds welcomes first openly gay Lord Mayor and Consort: what residents need to know

The chambers of Leeds City Council marked a significant shift in civic history this week as Councillor Stephen Holroyd was confirmed as the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds. Following the council’s annual general meeting, Holroyd officially succeeded Councillor Dan Cohen, stepping into the role during a year of profound historical weight for the city. Alongside him, his partner Simon Mapals was appointed as the Lord Mayor’s Consort, making them the first openly gay couple to lead the city’s ceremonial duties.

This transition in leadership comes at a time when the city is reflecting on its long-standing traditions while embracing a modern, diverse identity. Holroyd, who has represented the Ardsley and Robin Hood ward since 2023, brings a background defined by local service and a career spent largely in the public-facing sectors of hospitality and finance.

From hospitality roots to the Mayor’s parlour

Stephen Holroyd’s journey to the mayoralty began in Wakefield, but his connection to Leeds solidified after moving to the city in 2014. His professional life before entering politics was centered on the hospitality industry, where he developed a focus on community engagement and leadership. These skills later transitioned into the financial sector, where he worked to support residents across the region with their economic wellbeing.

Beyond his political role, Holroyd remains active in local education as a governor at Thorpe Primary School. His commitment to the region is also reflected in his charitable history; he previously completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. This focus on hands-on community involvement is expected to define his mayoral term as he seeks to bridge gaps between the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

Joining him in these duties is Simon Mapals, a lifelong Leeds resident who has been part of the city’s workforce since the age of thirteen. Mapals’ career has remained firmly rooted in hospitality, and he currently manages one of the city’s most prominent LGBTQ+ venues. His deep familiarity with the Leeds night-time economy and the specific needs of marginalized communities provides a unique perspective to the Consort’s role.

Prioritising health and community through chosen charities

Following the tradition of selecting specific causes to champion during the mayoral year, Holroyd has nominated two organisations that reflect his commitment to health and social equity: MESMAC and St Gemma’s Hospice. These selections highlight a focus on both specialized support for the LGBTQ+ community and high-quality end-of-life care for all residents.

MESMAC has operated as a cornerstone of support in Leeds for over 35 years. It functions as more than a sexual health provider, offering a safe space built on the principle of peer-led support. The organisation provides HIV testing and support, mental health advocacy, and social groups designed to reach people who may face barriers to traditional healthcare. By choosing MESMAC, the Lord Mayor is drawing attention to the ongoing need for judgment-free advocacy and social inclusion.

St Gemma’s Hospice, the largest facility of its kind in Yorkshire, provides palliative care for those facing cancer and other life-threatening conditions. The hospice’s work extends beyond the clinical setting, offering emotional and practical support to families and friends both on-site and within the wider Leeds community. The fundraising efforts led by the Lord Mayor’s office will support the continuation of these essential services during a period of rising demand for hospice care.

Leading Leeds through its 400th anniversary year

The appointment of Holroyd and Mapals coincides with a major milestone for the city. Throughout 2026, Leeds is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Royal Charter of 1626, which originally incorporated the borough. This centenary provides a backdrop for the new Lord Mayor’s goal of fostering unity through the celebration of differences.

Holroyd has expressed a clear intention to use this anniversary year to engage with the city’s varied demographics. His term will involve a schedule of community visits and events aimed at strengthening the bonds between the council and the residents it serves. The focus remains on recognizing the shared values that bind the city together, even as it honors the distinct histories of its individual communities.

As the 400th anniversary celebrations continue, the presence of the first openly gay couple in these roles serves as a visible marker of the city’s social evolution since the charter was first signed four centuries ago. The mayoral year will proceed with a focus on fundraising, community dialogue, and the formal ceremonies that define the Leeds civic calendar.

Source: Leeds City Council