Meet the new Lord Mayor of Leeds Abigail Marshall Katung as she's formally elected into role

Nigerian-born Abigail Marshall Katung pledged to tackle inequality as first citizen of Leeds at the council’s annual general meeting.

Coun Marshall Katung has taken over from Al Garthwaite as Lord Mayor and will act as an ambassador for the city over the next 12 months.

People from her country of birth travelled to the city for the ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall.

Coun Marshall Katung has been the Labour member for Little London and Woodhouse on Leeds City Council since 2019.

She said: “I would like to say a huge welcome to everybody who has travelled far and wide to be in Leeds today for this momentous occasion.

“Leeds is renowned for its compassion, resilience and unity, values that resonate deeply with me personally.

“As I embark on this journey as Lord Mayor I an privileged to serve a city I hold very dear.

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“I’m deeply honoured and humbled by the trust you have placed in me as your lord mayor. Together we will continue to build on the rich tapestry of our community.”

Coun Marshall Katung was praised for her work for the council and for the David Oluwale Memorial Association.

Mr Oluwale was a Nigerian man who died in the river Aire in 1969 after being racially harassed by police officers.

Last year Hibiscus Rising, a colourful flower sculpture in his honour, was installed on Meadow Lane. The David Oluwale Bridge over the Aire was also opened in his memory.

Coun Marshall Katung said: “Through collaboration and understanding we will create a Leeds that shines even brighter, not just for us but for lots of generations to come.”

Council leader James Lewis, Labour member for Kippax and Methley, formally moved her election as Lord Mayor.

He said: “It really is a historic occasion for the city today.”

Coun Lewis joked that he may have to start hugging Conservative Group leader Alan Lamb at future council meetings. There was laughter and applause as the two councillors embraced.

Welcoming Coun Marshall Kutung as Lord Mayor, Coun Lamb said: “I’ve found her always to be a passionate contributor, both in this chamber but also outside on the causes she cares about.”

Coun Lewis was formally elected as council leader at the meeting. Chapel Allerton Labour councillor Eileen Taylor was appointed as vice chair of the council.

Coun Marshall Katung previously told the Yorkshire Evening Post that she was “in awe” over the unanimous decision to elect her.

She was born in Nigeria and moved to Leeds to study politics in 2000. It was then that she discovered her love of the city, which inspired a move into local government.

She vowed to “continue the fight for equality and social justice” as Lord Mayor. And the mum-of-two joked that her 19-year-old twin sons have already started calling her “Lord Mother”.

Her husband Sunday Marshall-Katung is also a politician, serving as a senator in Nigeria.

Coun Marshall-Katung spoke about the significance of being the city’s first Lord Mayor of African descent.

“Sometimes you do these things and you don’t even know you’re the first person to do it,” she said. “But at the end of the day, representation matters. You always want to be round the table where the decisions are being made. I want to make the community’s voice heard.”