Leeds City Council's appoints its first openly-gay Lord Mayor and Consort
Leeds has appointed its first openly-gay Lord Mayor and Consort at an annual council meeting.
Councillor Stephen Holroyd was formally elected as the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds at the Civic Hall.
His partner Simon Mapals will accompany him as consort for the 2026/27 civic year.
Coun Holroyd, who was elected to represent Ardsley and Robin Hood for Labour in 2023, replaced Conservative councillor Dan Cohen as first citizen of Leeds.
Speaking at the annual meeting, Coun Holroyd said: “It’s a great privilege to hold this role and I’m looking forward to the year ahead.”
Coun Holroyd has worked in the hospitality and finance sectors and serves as a governor at Thorpe Primary School.
He has named health organisation MESMAC as one of his chosen charities for the coming year.
He will also be supporting St Gemma’s Hospice, which cares for families affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.
Coun Holroyd said: “The work they do to support young people at the worst time of their lives is amazing.”
Simon Mapals was born in Leeds and has worked in the hospitality industry since he was a teenager.
He currently manages a long-established LGBTQ+ venue in the city.
Mr Mapals said: “I’m very honoured to become the Lord Mayor’s Consort and to support Stephen in his mayoral duties throughout the coming year.”
Lord Mayors act in a ceremonial and diplomatic role and cannot engage in political matters during their year in office.
Full council meetings, where major decisions affecting the city are voted on, are chaired by the Lord Mayor.