Colin Ross becomes the new Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Sheffield

Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Colin Ross

Cllr Colin Ross has been voted in as the new Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Sheffield and inaugurated at Sheffield City Council’s Annual General Meeting.

Attendees in the chamber included Colin’s school friends, one of his bridesmaids and fellow graduates from his university years. Colin said he was a “Sheffielder by choice” and described becoming the Lord Mayor as an “honour” for him and the Lady Mayoress, speaking of their excitement for their year as the first citizens in their home city.

He is the city’s 126^th Lord Mayor and welcomed his new role by praising the city’s two universities, describing them as “magnificent” and said that “enhancing the links between universities, educational establishments, business and industry is one of the priorities for the year”. He also said he intended to invite schools to visit the Mayor’s parlour over the course of his time in office. 

Colin and his wife, Susan, came to Sheffield as undergraduates of the University and have remained in Sheffield ever since 1971. Born on the outskirts of Middlesbrough in a village called Marton, Colin considers himself a Yorkshireman, and has connections to Sheffield dating back to the nineteenth century, with his maternal family owning a cutlery and surgical instrument manufacturer at a factory in Neepsend.

Colin became involved in local politics in the 1980s as a deliverer of leaflets, with no intention of going beyond that, however after being persuaded to stand as a candidate he was elected in 1994.

During Colin’s time as the Deputy Lord Mayor, he attended many civic and community events all over the city. Of his time in the role, Colin said “We realised just what an important role this is and how the position of the Lord Mayor is valued by the people we meet. We want to continue to uphold that tradition and represent Sheffield as best as we can”.

The Lord Mayor’s charity for the year is St Luke’s Hospice. On choosing his local charity, Cllr Colin said, “I will be working with St Luke’s to raise funds for a specific project through a series of events over the next year.” It is intended to raise funds for a “cuddle bed”. This special extended hospital bed will enable family members to lie with the patient.

During the AGM, the Lord Mayor spoke about one-off events for smaller charities that will be held, and he encouraged all to attend a Civic Service on Sunday 11 June at 4pm at the Cathedral, as an “opportunity to celebrate various branches of civic life”.  

The Deputy Lord Mayor is Councillor Jayne Dunn.

Outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Sioned-Mair Richards, reflected on events of the year, including the Queen’s sad passing, and the proclamation of King Charles, as well as the city’s twinning with Khmelnytskyi and hosting the UEFA Women’s Euros. She said: “Being Lord Mayor is a privilege, an honour, and the most amazing experience. I would recommend it to anyone. Thank you sheffield for giving me this glorious, unforgettable year.”

Sioned also spoke about the reading sessions she has held with children over the last year. She said: “We read stories, we talked about favourite books, over 1,500 children have visited, eaten cake and taken a book home with them. They have all promised that when they are older they are going to stand for council and try to become Lord Mayor.”

During Sioned’s speech, a touching tribute was made to her late friend and Council colleague, Councillor Anne Murphy.

Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Colin Ross, and the Lady Mayoress