Skip to content

New Leeds mayor on 'unbelievable honour'

Gemma Dillon
BBC West Yorkshire Political Reporter
Leeds City Council Picture features Cllr Cohen wearing traditional Lord Mayor dress robes. They are red with a white collar and he has a golden chain around his neck. He also wears a black hat with a feather. Leeds City Council
Dan Cohen has said he is "hugely excited" to be the 131st Lord Mayor of Leeds

The new Lord Mayor of Leeds has said the position is an "unbelievable honour".

Conservative councillor Dan Cohen will become the 131st incumbent later and will serve until May 2026.

He was born in Alwoodley and has represented the ward as a councillor since 2011.

Cohen said his "overarching ambition" for his 12-month stint was to meet as many people helping their communities across the city to say "thank you and let them know they are appreciated".

The role of Lord Mayor is to act as an ambassador for the city, meeting with citizens and communities and welcoming visiting dignitaries from home and abroad.

In contrast to the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, they are not an elected mayor and therefore have no influence over policy and decision making.

The role means chairing some of the council's big political meetings including the budget, so requires the holder to be apolitical for the year.

Cohen said he was "quite comfortable with the fact that during this year I can park my politics at the door and be there to serve the whole community.

"The whole city of Leeds. We're an amazing city, and I will do my best to do us all justice."

Leeds City Council Picture shows Elayna Cohen on the left wearing a blue suit, with a small golden chain round her neck and a blue hat. Cllr Cohen is pictured to the right wearing the Lord Mayor dress robes, red with a white collar and a golden chain. Both are stood infront of the Civic Hall in Leeds. Leeds City Council
Elayna Cohen will join her husband as Lady Mayoress during his year in office

During their term, it is customary for the Lord Mayor to choose a charity to support.

Leeds Mencap is the new mayor's selected good cause. He said during his term in office he wanted to "shine a light on the incredible work they do" and help raise funds for them.

He will be joined in the role by his wife Elayna, who will be the Lady Mayoress.

As a big Leeds United fan he said he "couldn't choose" whether he was looking forward to his year as Lord Mayor or watching his football team in the Premier League more.

He said "They both have a really special place. The ability for me to serve my city where I've grown up is just an unbelievable honour.

"To see Leeds in the Premier League back where we belong is just a delight beyond words."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.

Related internet links