Nigeria’s Abigail Marshall Katung makes history as Leeds’ first mayor of African descent

“Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city has quickly become my cherished second home,” said Abigail.

In 2019, Abigail was elected to represent the inner city ward of Little London and Woodhouse – one of the most culturally diverse wards in Leeds, where over 82 languages ​​are spoken – becoming the first African ward member of Leeds City Council . She was later re-elected in the 2023 elections.

“It wasn’t just the city where I lived, studied and worked, it’s where I chose to raise my children and become a civil servant,” Abigail says of Leeds City.

Abigail has held various leadership roles at Leeds City Council, including Chairing the Adult Health and Active Lifestyles Scrutiny Committee and the Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth Scrutiny Committee. She was Senior Fellow for Faith and Faith, chaired the Hate Crime and Continuing Education Strategic Council for 14-19 years and is also a Food Champion.

Outside of politics, Abigail is a keen athlete and coach, specializing in sprinting, and serves as a Governor at Leeds City College, a Trustee of Age UK and Caring Together and Co-Chair of the David Oluwale Memorial Association.

Speaking about her appointment, the new Lord Mayor of Leeds said: “It is with great appreciation and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming the 130th Lord Mayor of this great city… My appointment as Lord Mayor has been widely celebrated in the community of the city and is a shining example of the enormous contribution international students make to British society. As Lord Mayor of Leeds, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that voices are heard from all areas of the city and every triumph is recognized and celebrated.”