LEICESTER’S NEW LORD MAYOR FOR 2026/27 IS CLLR KULWINDER SINGH JOHAL
The Lord Mayor is Leicester’s first citizen and represents the city at civic and ceremonial events. He is also President for the City of Leicester European Twinning Association (CLETA) during his term of office.
Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal has dedicated his life to public service, community leadership and widening access to grassroots sport across the city.
He completed his schooling and higher education in Leicester and began his career at Russell Castings Ltd, a long-established Leicester foundry producing ductile iron castings. He worked there for 25 years until the foundry closed in 2016, an experience that shaped his resilience and long-standing commitment to trade union values.
He has lived most of his life in the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields ward, attending school, playing football, serving the community and raising his family there. First elected as a Labour councillor for Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields in 2015, he has served the ward since then.
He is supporting two local charities:
Guided by his Sikh faith and the principle of seva (selfless service), he has volunteered for decades and is committed to serving every resident of Leicester with openness, respect and humility.
He will be supported during his in office by his wife, Manjit, serving as Lady Mayoress, and their daughter, Gursimran, who will be his Consort.
What the Lord Mayor does
Councillors elect a new Lord Mayor each year. The role is non-political and focuses on promoting the city and supporting local communities.
The Lord Mayor:
- attends community and civic events
- hosts ceremonial events such as the Remembrance Service and Civic Service
- represents the city at formal functions
The Lord Mayor is impartial and does not take part in political or executive decisions. This is different from the City Mayor, who is elected to lead the council and make decisions about services.
The Lord Mayor is supported by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Dr Susan Barton, and the High Bailiff, Councillor Teresa Aldred, for 2026-2027
