Al Garthwaite has served as the Mayor of Leeds since May 25, 2023. Appointed as the 129th Lord Mayor of the city, Garthwaite is a renowned advocate for women’s rights, known for organizing the 1977 “Reclaim the Night” protests. Learn more about her on leedsyes.
As Mayor, Garthwaite’s responsibilities over her 12-month term include fundraising for charitable causes and promoting community events. Since 2016, she has represented the Labour Party in the Headingley and Hyde Park ward, as noted on Yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk.
Biography of Lord Mayor Al Garthwaite
Born into a military family, Al Garthwaite grew up frequently moving from place to place. She studied English and Psychology at Durham University, where she became active in both local and international human rights campaigns. After working in Oxford, Garthwaite settled in Leeds in 1973, her mother’s hometown.
Garthwaite has always been deeply involved in community life. Qualified as a teacher and passionate about lifelong education, she taught in prisons and initiated women’s health courses in Leeds community centers. She also helped establish the Women’s Counselling and Advisory Service and several other thriving social organizations.
In 1977, Garthwaite co-organized the “Reclaim the Night” protest in response to police advice for women to avoid public places after dark due to the danger posed by the serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. This advice was perceived as an abdication of police responsibility and spurred Garthwaite to advocate for women’s rights and demand decisive action from law enforcement.
Garthwaite also founded “Vera Media,” a film company that provides multimedia training for women and marginalized groups in Leeds. Over 5,000 individuals have gained employment or pursued further education through this initiative. In recognition of her work, the University of Leeds awarded her an honorary degree in 2007.
Achievements as Lord Mayor
From her early years, Al Garthwaite has been dedicated to serving her community and supporting vulnerable populations. She has worked as a school director, produced award-winning films about violence against women, and opened and managed community enterprises and charities that have positively impacted lives locally, nationally, and internationally. Garthwaite also founded and chaired the “Homeworkers Worldwide Trust.”
Her tenure as Mayor has focused on critical and global issues, including:
- Environmental sustainability
- Climate change
- Arts and cultural development
- Public safety
- Urban planning, licensing, and efforts to eradicate violence against women and girls
In line with tradition, Garthwaite designated a charity to represent her term as Lord Mayor. She chose the Women’s Counselling and Therapy Service (WCTS), which offers free psychological support to women in Leeds.
International Activities as Lord Mayor
On December 6, 2023, Al Garthwaite formalized a partnership between Leeds and Kharkiv, Ukraine, signing a Declaration of Friendship at the British Embassy in Prague, Czechia.
Leeds established this partnership with Kharkiv, represented by First Deputy Mayor Oleksandr Novak. The ceremony was preceded by a business meeting where the two cities discussed collaborative activities in culture and sports.
Garthwaite highlighted the similarities between Leeds and Kharkiv, particularly their shared commitment to cultural and educational development. She expressed confidence that the agreement would pave the way for fruitful cooperation. During the event, she also voiced hope for peace in Ukraine, which continues to suffer from Russian aggression.
In response, Oleksandr Novak thanked the UK, and Leeds in particular, for supporting Ukraine in its resistance against the aggressor. He affirmed that the partnership established a strong foundation for future initiatives benefiting both cities. Leeds became the first UK city to establish a friendship agreement with Kharkiv.
Al Garthwaite is a seasoned political figure who diligently advocates for Leeds. Her work consistently focuses on defending women’s rights and supporting vulnerable groups. Beyond addressing local needs, she actively engages in international relations, enhancing Leeds’ global reputation.