TL;DR
- Stephen Holroyd is Leeds’s first openly gay Lord Mayor.
- Partner Simon Mapals serves as Lord Mayor’s Consort.
- Holroyd supports LGBTQ+ charity MESMAC during his term.
- He aims to unite diverse communities in Leeds.
- Leeds celebrates its 400th anniversary this year.
In a fabulous twist of fate, Leeds has just made history by appointing its first openly gay Lord Mayor, Councillor Stephen Holroyd, who will be accompanied by his partner, Simon Mapals, as the Lord Mayor’s Consort. This momentous occasion took place during the city council’s annual general meeting on May 20, where Holroyd was officially appointed the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds, taking over from Councillor Dan Cohen.
“I’m honoured to become the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds,” Holroyd stated, beaming with pride. He emphasized the significance of this milestone, especially as the city celebrates the 400th anniversary of its Royal Charter throughout 2026. Holroyd is ready to embrace his role as the ambassador of Leeds, engaging with citizens and communities alike, while chairing council meetings with a dash of flair.
“Leeds is an incredibly diverse city,” he added, highlighting his eagerness to connect with as many people as possible. “I look forward to making new friends and drawing people together through celebrating our differences while embracing what binds us together as a city.” And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to be part of that vibrant community?
During his term, Holroyd has chosen to support two significant charities: MESMAC, an LGBTQ+ community and sexual health organization, and St Gemma’s Hospice, a leading provider of end-of-life care in Yorkshire. MESMAC has been a beacon of hope for over 35 years, offering vital HIV support services, from testing to education on PrEP and the U=U campaign. Holroyd expressed his commitment to raising much-needed funds for both charities, stating, “I’m equally honoured to be representing two incredible Leeds charities in MESMAC and St Gemma’s Hospice, who I hope to be able to raise much-needed funds to support their important work.”
Meanwhile, Simon Mapals, stepping into the role of Lord Mayor’s Consort, is equally excited about this new chapter. “I’m very honoured to become the Lord Mayor’s Consort and to support Stephen in his mayoral duties throughout the coming year,” he shared. Mapals is ready to dive into the vibrant tapestry of Leeds, eager to meet the diverse communities that make the city so unique.
Leeds joins the ranks of other cities that have embraced openly gay leadership, following in the footsteps of Manchester, which appointed its first openly gay Lord Mayor, Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, back in 2016. As Holroyd and Mapals step into their historic roles, they are not just making history; they are paving the way for future generations to embrace their identities and celebrate love in all its forms.
So, here’s to Stephen Holroyd and Simon Mapals, the dynamic duo leading Leeds into a bright and inclusive future. Cheers to love, diversity, and making history together!