Sunderland welcomes a new Mayor and Mayoress - Councillor Ehthesham Haque and Councillor Lynda Scanlan.

They took over the ceremonial chains of office from the retiring Mayor and Consort, Councillor Allison Chisnall and Consort Mr Alistair Thomson.

Sunderland's new Mayor Councillor Ehthesham Haque is the cities youngest Mayor at 28-years-old and first Mayor of Asian descent.

Cllr Haque has lived in Sunderland since the age of 10, after relocating with his family from London. A former pupil of Richard Avenue Primary and Thornhill Comprehensive, he continued his studies at Sunderland College, the University of Sunderland, and later Cambridge University.

Elected as a Ward Councillor for Barnes in 2023, he works as a Civil Servant and has a strong passion for politics and community service. He served on the Health and Scrutiny Committee and was Governor at his former primary school prior to becoming Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Haque lives with his wife and family in Sunderland and is committed to working hard for his constituents and the wider city.

New Mayor, Cllr Haque said: "To have been elected Mayor of Sunderland is the proudest achievement of my life so far and I am honoured to serve the City of Sunderland. I am looking forward to celebrating the people of this city and its businesses, charities and communities."

Cllr Haque's Chaplain will be The Reverend Canon Clare MacLaren, Provost of Sunderland Minster, High Street West, Sunderland.

Sunderland's new Mayoress Cllr Scanlan has served in both Millfield and Hendon Wards after first being elected councillor for Millfield in 2011. She also served as Mayor in 2018 to 2019 and is no stranger to mayoral duties.

New Mayoress, Cllr Scanlan said: "I have been a member of council for over a decade, and I am thrilled to be elected Mayoress of Sunderland. There are so many fantastic opportunities coming up in the year ahead to showcase this city, and support events such as Active Sunderland sports events, the Christmas light switch on, and Remembrance Day parades."

The new Mayor and Mayoress, will be supporting Love, Amelia and Hopespring charities, which both support children and families.

Also sworn in by full Council as Deputy Mayor for 2025-2026 is Councillor Melanie Thornton and the Deputy Mayoress will be Councillor Thornton's mother, Carol Hopps.

Cllr Thornton has lived in Sunderland's Coalfield area all her life, growing up in East Rainton and Hetton. She now lives in Hetton Downs and supports local groups including Friends of Hetton Lyons Country Park and Coalfields Pride, which she chairs. Elected as a City Councillor for Copt Hill in 2019, she previously chaired the Planning and Highways Committee and is honoured to now serve as Deputy Mayor of Sunderland.

The outgoing Mayor, Cllr Chisnall said: "It has been an honour and privilege to serve as Mayor of Sunderland. I have enjoyed working with Councillor Haque as Deputy Mayor and Councillor Scanlan. I wish the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor the best of luck for this coming year.

"I will look back at my time in office with such fondness. Taking part in events like the Mayor's Civic Ball, The Christmas Light Switch On, and VE Day has been an honour.

"We are also incredibly grateful to have been able to raise around £20,000.00 for our chosen charities Castletown Scouts Group, Hylton Castle Trust, and The Royalty Theatre."