Leeds welcomes first openly gay Lord Mayor and Consort

Liam Foster Author 2026-05-21 10:08 3 min read

Men in ceremonial robes with purple sashes walk in a formal outdoor public procession.

Contents

From hospitality to civic leadership in West Yorkshire
Fundraising focus for LGBTQ+ support and hospice care
Representing a diverse city during a milestone year

The Leeds City Council annual general meeting concluded with the formal appointment of Councillor Stephen Holroyd as the 132nd Lord Mayor of Leeds. Alongside him, his partner Simon Mapals stepped into the role of Lord Mayor’s Consort, marking the first time an openly gay couple has held these civic positions in the city’s history.

Councillor Holroyd, who represents the Ardsley and Robin Hood ward, officially took over the chains of office from outgoing Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Cohen. The transition comes at a pivotal time for the local authority, following recent shifts in Leeds City Council that have seen the political landscape of the chamber evolve during the 2026 municipal cycle.

From hospitality to civic leadership in West Yorkshire

Born and raised in Wakefield, Councillor Holroyd moved to Leeds in 2014, bringing a background rooted in the service industry. Before his election to the council in 2023, he spent a significant portion of his career in the hospitality sector. This experience in customer service and leadership eventually led him into the financial sector, where he focused on supporting residents across the region.

Leeds welcomes first openly gay Lord Mayor and Consort

His commitment to local service extends beyond the council chamber. Holroyd currently serves as a governor at Thorpe Primary School, where he oversees initiatives related to student wellbeing and educational standards. His public profile also includes a history of charitable efforts, such as completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Simon Mapals, the new Lord Mayor’s Consort, is a Leeds native with a career also deeply embedded in the city’s hospitality trade. Having started in the industry at the age of 13, Mapals now manages one of the city’s most prominent LGBTQ+ venues, providing him with a direct connection to the diverse communities the mayoral pair will represent over the coming year.

Fundraising focus for LGBTQ+ support and hospice care

As is customary for the incoming Lord Mayor, Councillor Holroyd has selected two specific charities to benefit from the Lord Mayor’s Appeal during his term. The chosen organizations reflect both the couple’s personal ties to the community and the city’s broader healthcare needs.

MESMAC, one of the primary beneficiaries, has operated in Leeds for over 35 years. The organization serves as a critical resource for the LGBTQ+ community, offering more than just sexual health services. It provides a safe environment for marginalized groups, focusing on HIV support, rapid testing, and mental health advocacy. The charity operates on the principle of peer-led support, ensuring services are designed by and for the communities they serve.

St Gemma’s Hospice will also receive support through the mayoral term. As the largest hospice in Yorkshire, it provides end-of-life care for individuals facing cancer and other life-threatening conditions. The hospice’s work extends into the community, offering expert services to families and friends of patients both within the facility and in private homes across Leeds.

Representing a diverse city during a milestone year

The appointment coincides with the 400th anniversary of the Royal Charter that created the city of Leeds in 1626. Throughout 2026, the Lord Mayor will preside over various events celebrating this four-century milestone, focusing on the evolution of Leeds into a modern, diverse metropolitan hub.

Councillor Holroyd noted that his goal for the year is to engage with the city’s many different communities, emphasizing the shared bonds that unite residents despite their differences. Mapals echoed this sentiment, stating his intention to support the Lord Mayor in meeting the various groups that contribute to the city’s social fabric.

The Lord Mayor and Consort will spend the next twelve months attending civic functions, meeting local volunteers, and spearheading the fundraising efforts for their chosen charities. Their tenure represents a visible shift in the representation of the city’s leadership as Leeds continues its anniversary celebrations.

Source: Leeds City Council

Source check Civic Record Verification

This report is based on official proceedings from the Leeds City Council annual general meeting and biographical data provided by the local authority.

Checks

Confirmed Councillor Stephen Holroyd's ward representation for Ardsley and Robin Hood.
Verified the 400th-anniversary context of the Leeds Royal Charter (1626-2026).
Cross-referenced charity registration for MESMAC and St Gemma’s Hospice.

Leeds City Council News Check Leeds Lord Mayor history