The atmosphere inside the council chamber shifted as the chains of office were handed over, marking a definitive moment in the civic history of West Yorkshire. Councillor Stephen Holroyd was officially confirmed as the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds during the city council’s annual general meeting. Alongside him, his partner Simon Mapals took the role of Lord Mayor’s Consort, making them the first openly gay couple to hold these positions in the city’s history.
Councillor Holroyd takes over the ceremonial duties from the outgoing Lord Mayor, Councillor Dan Cohen. This transition arrives at a significant time for the region, as Leeds continues to observe the 400th anniversary of the Royal charter that originally created the city. The appointment of Holroyd and Mapals represents a visible change in the leadership landscape, reflecting the modern diversity of a city that has grown significantly since that charter was signed in 1626.
A career rooted in community and hospitality
Stephen Holroyd’s path to the Lord Mayoralty began in Wakefield, where he was born and raised before relocating to Leeds in 2014. His professional background is grounded in the hospitality sector, a field where he spent the majority of his career developing skills in leadership and public engagement. This experience in customer-facing roles later transitioned into the financial sector, where he worked to support residents across the city.
Beyond his professional career, Holroyd has established deep roots in local public service. Since 2023, he has represented the Ardsley and Robin Hood ward on Leeds City Council. His commitment to the community extends to education, where he serves as a governor at Thorpe Primary School. His focus there remains on the wellbeing and educational standards for local children, ensuring that the next generation has the support needed to succeed.
Simon Mapals, the new Lord Mayor’s Consort, brings his own extensive local experience to the role. Born and raised in Leeds, Mapals has been a fixture in the city’s hospitality industry since the age of thirteen. He currently manages one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ venues in Leeds, providing him with a direct connection to the city’s diverse social fabric and nightlife economy.
Fundraising for MESMAC and St Gemma’s Hospice
As is tradition for the incoming Lord Mayor, Councillor Holroyd has selected two specific charities to support throughout his term. The choices reflect both his personal values and the critical needs of the Leeds community. The first beneficiary is MESMAC, an organisation that has served as a cornerstone for the LGBTQ+ community for more than 35 years.
MESMAC operates as more than a health service; it provides a safe space for marginalised groups and offers mental health advocacy, social support, and rapid testing services. By choosing this charity, the Lord Mayor highlights the ongoing need for inclusive, non-judgmental support systems within the urban environment.
The second charity, St Gemma’s Hospice, is the largest hospice in Yorkshire. It provides essential end-of-life care and support for individuals facing cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The hospice’s work extends beyond the patients themselves, offering expert services to families and friends both within the facility and throughout the wider Leeds community. Holroyd’s history as a fundraiser—including completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks for Macmillan—suggests a hands-on approach to his upcoming charitable duties.
Representing a diverse city in its 400th year
The year ahead involves a heavy schedule of community engagements and civic ceremonies. Councillor Holroyd has expressed a clear intention to use his platform to bridge gaps between different sections of the population. He aims to celebrate the differences that define Leeds while focusing on the common bonds that unite its residents.
Simon Mapals will support these efforts, joining the Lord Mayor at various events across the city. Both have noted their enthusiasm for meeting the diverse communities that make up the Leeds metropolitan area. As the city navigates its 400th anniversary celebrations, the presence of the first openly gay couple in these roles serves as a contemporary chapter in a very long story of civic evolution.
Source: Leeds City Council
Source check Civic Record
This report is based on official proceedings from the Leeds City Council annual general meeting.
- Verified appointment of 132nd Lord Mayor
- Confirmed charitable beneficiaries for the 2026 term
- Validated biographical details of the Lord Mayor and Consort
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- Leeds City Council News
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- Leeds
- Updated
- 2026-05-21 10:10
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