New Lord Mayor of Leeds says role is 'unbelievable honour'
The new Lord Mayor of Leeds has said the position is an "unbelievable honour".Conservative councillor Dan Cohen will be the 131st incumbent from Tuesday and will serve until May 2025. 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."
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."
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