By Samantha Jones
Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung has been officially announced as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds following the council’s annual general meeting last night.
Taking over the role from Al Garthwaite, Councillor Marshall Katung becomes the city’s 130th Lord Mayor and the first person of African descent to hold this prestigious position.
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Councillor Marshall Katung will be supported throughout her tenure by her husband, Nigerian Senator and Lord Mayor Consort, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.
Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Councillor Marshall Katung arrived in the UK in 2000 to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Leeds in the Politics & International Studies Department. Fo
Following the death of her father in 1999, who she credits as a profound influence on her life and instilled in her the ethos of ‘education for service,’ she resolved to honour his legacy through her academic and professional pursuits in the UK.
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Transitioning from student to professional life, Councillor Marshall Katung established her own business while embracing the responsibilities of motherhood to twin sons, who are now university students themselves.
In 2019, she broke barriers by becoming the first African to be elected as a ward member of Leeds City Council, representing the culturally diverse Little London and Woodhouse ward where over 82 languages are spoken. She was re-elected in 2023.
Throughout her tenure at Leeds City Council, Councillor Marshall Katung has held various leadership roles, including chairing the scrutiny board for adults’ health and active lifestyles, and the scrutiny board for infrastructure, investment, and inclusive growth.
She has served as the lead member for faith and belief, chaired the hate crime strategic board, and is a dedicated food champion.
Outside of her political career, Councillor Marshall Katung is an avid athlete and coach, specializing in sprinting. She is also a governor at Leeds City College, a trustee of Age UK and Caring Together, and co-chair of the David Oluwale Memorial Association.
As is tradition, the incoming Lord Mayor has chosen a charity to support throughout her term. Councillor Marshall Katung has selected the Leeds Community Foundation, which supports small local charities addressing critical societal inequalities such as food poverty, health inequalities, mental health, and digital inclusion.
Speaking on her appointment, Councillor Marshall Katung said: “It is with great appreciation and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming this great city’s 130th Lord Mayor.
Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home. It was not just the city where I lived, studied, and worked, it’s where I chose to raise my children and become a public servant.
“My appointment as Lord Mayor has been widely celebrated in the city’s African community and is a shining example of the enormous contribution international students make to UK society.
As Lord Mayor of Leeds, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure voices are heard from all areas of the city and every triumph is recognized and celebrated.”
Councillor Marshall Katung’s historic appointment marks a significant milestone for Leeds, showcasing the city’s diversity and the valuable contributions of its international community.
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