Councillor Marshall Katung is the 130th person to hold the Office of Lord Mayor of Leeds.
She is immensely proud to embrace the role and represent the City of Leeds as the first African Lord Mayor.
Abigail was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Laying the foundation for academic pursuits, she graduated from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria with a bachelor’s degree in Business Education. She later pursued a masters degree in Development Studies at the University of Leeds in 2000, driven by her late father’s aspiration for her to further her education in the West and supported by her devoted mother. Leeds quickly became her cherished second home where she established her business while building a family of her own. Abigail is married to Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and they have twin boys who are both currently studying at University.
Engaging in politics, Abigail became an elected member in 2019, and was subsequently elected for a second term in 2023. She became the first African to be elected to Leeds City Council and the first black representative on the Cooperative Party National Executive Council. Within the council, she assumed various roles such as Scrutiny Board Chair, lead member for Faith and Belief, Chair of the Hate Crime Strategic Board, Chair of Further Education 14-19 years and Food Champion.
Beyond the council, Abigail is an avid athlete and coach, specialising in sprinting and serves as a governor at Leeds City College. She is also a trustee of Age UK, Caring Together and Co-Chair of the David Oluwale Memorial Association.
Abigail’s husband, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, is honoured and privileged to take on the role of Lord Mayor’s Consort and is looking forward to supporting his wife and ensuring she has a successful and fruitful tenure.
Role and responsibilities
As the first citizen of Leeds, the role of the Lord Mayor is to act as an ambassador for the City, meeting with citizens and communities and welcoming visiting dignitaries from home and abroad. The Lord Mayor holds a ceremonial, diplomatic role, meaning that they cannot engage in political or Ward matters during their time in office. They are not an elected Mayor and therefore have no influence over policy and decision making.
Please contact your local Councillor, local Member of Parliament, or the elected Mayor of West Yorkshire if you have any council or government related queries or concerns.
The Lord Mayor’s term of office is annual and normally starts on the third Thursday of May, however this can be subject to change.
Title and mode of address
The correct style for the Lord Mayor in writing is:
"The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leeds."
When starting your letter or email you should use:
"My dear Lord Mayor"
Verbally, in formal situations, the style is
"My Lord Mayor", though in less formal circumstances it is quite correct when referring to the Civic Heads or introducing them to use simply
"Lord Mayor" and when the Consort is present the
"Lord Mayor of Leeds and Consort".
The Lord Mayor is normally accompanied by the Sergeant-at-Mace or an Attendant, from whom advice on matters of protocol may be sought.
Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal 2024 to 2025
Each Lord Mayor chooses a Leeds based charity, close to their heart, to champion during their year of office. Throughout the year, the Lord Mayor focuses on the work of their chosen charity, with the aim of bringing the whole city together to raise awareness and funds through hosting a range of events and activities. It is a fantastic way for the city to support a local charity and show their civic pride.
Leeds Community Foundation
Councillor Marshall Katung is supporting the Leeds Community Foundation during her term of office. Leeds Community Foundation is an independent grant maker, collaborator, and leader who bring together organisations and individuals to invest in communities, building a fairer Leeds for everyone.
Abigail has chosen the Leeds Community Foundation due to its wide-ranging support of small, local charities tackling critical societal inequalities such as food poverty, health inequalities, mental health and digital inclusion. These are all causes close to her heart.
Find more information on the Leeds Community Foundation website external link.
Just One Day
Every year the Lord Mayor reaches out to organisations in the city to ask for their support in fundraising for the Lord Mayor’s charity.
Organisations from all sectors are invited to participate in 'Just One Day' - one day per year that is dedicated to raising money and awareness for the Lord Mayor’s charity.
By working with organisations of all sectors at all levels, 'Just One Day' brings the city together to support the most vulnerable.
The next 'Just One Day' will take place on Thursday, 27 February 2025. Find more information on our 'Just One Day' page.
