TL;DR
- Leeds appoints its first openly gay Lord Mayor.
- Councillor Stephen Holroyd takes office with partner Simon Mapals as Consort.
- Holroyd aims to celebrate diversity in the city.
- Selected charities include Yorkshire MESMAC and St Gemma’s Hospice.
- A historic moment for Leeds’ LGBTQ+ community.
In a fabulous twist of fate, Leeds has officially made history by appointing its first openly gay Lord Mayor, Councillor Stephen Holroyd, along with his partner Simon Mapals as the Lord Mayor’s Consort. This momentous occasion marks a significant leap forward for the city’s LGBTQ+ community and sets the stage for a more inclusive future.
On a bright Wednesday, the city council confirmed Holroyd as the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds for the 2026/27 civic year. Born in Wakefield and a proud resident of Leeds since 2014, Holroyd is ready to take on his new role with open arms and an open heart. “I’m honoured to become the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds,” he declared, embodying the spirit of the city. “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.”
His partner, Simon Mapals, is no stranger to the vibrant scene of Leeds. Managing a well-known LGBTQ+ venue in the city center, he’s equally excited about his new role. “I’m very honoured to become the Lord Mayor’s Consort and to support Stephen in his mayoral duties. I really look forward to meeting the incredible and diverse communities of our city,” he said, radiating enthusiasm for the upcoming year.
As part of his mayoral duties, Holroyd has chosen Yorkshire MESMAC and St Gemma’s Hospice as the charities he will support throughout his term. This decision not only showcases his commitment to the community but also highlights the importance of giving back to those who need it most.
This historic appointment is a beacon of hope and progress, not just for Leeds but for cities everywhere. The visibility of openly LGBTQ+ leaders in politics is crucial for fostering acceptance and inclusivity. Holroyd and Mapals are set to pave the way for future generations, proving that love and leadership go hand in hand.
As Leeds embarks on this exciting chapter, one thing is clear: the city is ready to embrace its diversity and celebrate the love that unites us all. Here’s to a year of progress, celebration, and community spirit under the leadership of Mayor Stephen Holroyd and his consort, Simon Mapals. Cheers to making history together!