The UK’s Black women mayors
The concept of mayors in the United Kingdom (known as provosts in Scotland) boasts a rich history, stretching back centuries. In fact, the tradition of having a mayor in London goes all the way back to 1189. This concept has evolved over time, transforming from purely a ceremonial position to a role that could either be ceremonial or directly elected. Despite this long tradition, Black women have only recently begun to break barriers in mayoral roles, holding both directly elected and appointed positions (Civic Lord Mayors) in the UK.
Here, we’ll spotlight five such Black women who have served as mayors in the UK:
Valda James - Mayor of Islington (1988-1989)
Valda James, a pioneering figure in British politics, made history twice in Islington. First, she became the borough’s first Black woman elected to council in 1986. Two years later, she shattered another glass ceiling, becoming Islington's first Black mayor.
Born in Jamaica, Valda emigrated to Britain in 1961 as part of the Windrush Generation. Raising her children as a single parent, she displayed incredible resilience, working various jobs – catering, dressmaking and even nursing with the British Red Cross – to support her family. This work ethic continued even after becoming Mayor, as she took on a pre-dawn cleaning job to ensure financial security.
Joanne Anderson - Mayor of Liverpool (2021-2023)
Joanne Anderson is a groundbreaking figure in British politics, becoming the first woman and the first black woman to be directly elected Mayor of Liverpool. Born and raised in the city, Joanne has a deep understanding of its communities. Her career reflects a strong commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I), and social purpose businesses.
With nearly 30 years of experience as an ED&I practitioner, Joanne wasn't just passionate about social good, she was a trailblazer. She launched Innervision, Liverpool's first Black-led social enterprise, fostering both social impact and entrepreneurial opportunities within the Black community. This wasn't her only first; she also established the city's first Black-led social traders network, further empowering Black leadership in the social enterprise sector.
Abigail Marshall Katung - Lord Mayor of Leeds (2024 - present)
Abigail Marshall Katung, the current Lord Mayor of Leeds, has made history twice. First, she became the first African to become a ward member of Leeds City Council in 2019 when she was elected as a councillor for Little London and Woodhouse. Five years later, she became the first African Lord Mayor of Leeds.
Born in Nigeria, Abigail arrived in the UK to study at the University of Leeds in 2000. She is a champion for equality, equity, fairness and social justice and is dedicated to nurturing opportunities for the youth.
Brenda Dacres - Mayor of Lewisham (2024 - present)
Brenda Dacres, the current Mayor of Lewisham elected March 2024, is a remarkable woman who has dedicated herself to her community. A resident of Lewisham for over four decades, Brenda was elected Councillor for New Cross Ward in the 2014 elections.
Brenda's family history is rooted in Jamaica, with her parents immigrating to the UK in the 1960s. She defied generational odds by becoming the first in her family to attend university. Brenda’s passions lie in ensuring quality education, fostering affordable housing initiatives and investing in youth development programs.
Lilian Seenoi-Barr - Mayor of Derry City and Strabane (2024 - present)
Lillian Seenoi-Bar, a pioneering figure in Northern Irish politics, has made history twice in the country. First, she became the first black person to be elected to public office in Northern Ireland in 2023 when she was elected as a councillor in the Foyleside district of Derry. A year later she shattered another glass ceiling, becoming Northern Ireland’s first Black mayor.
Born in Kenya and arriving in Northern Ireland as a refugee, Lillian is a strong voice for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees who have chosen to make a life for themselves and their families in Derry. Lillian is a lifelong human rights campaigner, with experience fighting for Maasai women and girl’s rights.