Sunderland has made history with the election of its youngest ever and first Asian Mayor. Councillor Ehthesham Haque, 28, was officially sworn in as Mayor of Sunderland at a full council meeting on Wednesday 21 May at City Hall.
Representing Barnes ward, Cllr Haque takes on the ceremonial role with Hendon councillor Lynda Scanlan appointed as Mayoress. The pair succeed outgoing Mayor Cllr Allison Chisnall and consort Mr Alistair Thomson, who attended hundreds of civic engagements during their term.
Cllr Haque, who moved to Sunderland from London at the age of 10, is a former pupil of Richard Avenue Primary and Thornhill Comprehensive. He later studied at Sunderland College, the University of Sunderland, and Cambridge University. Elected as a Labour councillor in 2023, he works as a civil servant and previously served as a governor at his former primary school and as Deputy Mayor.
Speaking after his appointment, Cllr Haque said:
“This is the proudest achievement of my life so far. I’m honoured to serve the city of Sunderland and look forward to celebrating our people, businesses, charities and communities.”
Looking ahead, he spoke of excitement for upcoming city developments such as the new footbridge linking the Vaux site to the Sheepfolds area, the Culture House opening at Keel Square, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Stadium of Light.
His nomination came from Cllr Stephen Lewis Elms, who described him as “a rising star” with “a genuine commitment to making a difference”.
“When our city was shaken by division after the Sunderland riots, it was his voice that brought calm and clarity,” Cllr Elms said. “Now, that same voice will speak as Mayor. This moment is not just historic, it’s hopeful.”
Cllr Antony Mullen, leader of the Conservative Group and fellow Barnes councillor, also extended his congratulations.
“Despite party differences, we’ve worked well together. I trust you will defend our democracy and the rights of opposition parties in your role.”
Cllr Haque’s chaplain is The Reverend Canon Clare MacLaren, Provost of Sunderland Minster. The mayoral ceremony included prayers from the Provost and Zaf Iqbal, co-chair of
the Sunderland Inter Faith Forum, who welcomed “the first Muslim Mayor for Sunderland” and urged for continued interfaith unity.
Returning to the mayoral role as Mayoress, Cllr Scanlan previously served as Mayor in 2018–2019. She spoke of the many opportunities to promote Sunderland in the year ahead, including the Christmas light switch-on and Remembrance Day events.
The new Mayor and Mayoress will be supporting the children and family charities Love, Amelia and Hopespring during their term.
Also sworn in was Cllr Melanie Thornton as Deputy Mayor for 2025–2026, with her mother Carol Hopps as Deputy Mayoress. Representing Copt Hill ward since 2019, Cllr Thornton is a long-time community advocate and chair of Coalfields Pride.
Outgoing Mayor Cllr Chisnall reflected on her term as an “honour and privilege” and highlighted the council’s united response to the unrest in August 2024.
“We’ve met incredible people and raised over £20,000 for our chosen charities. I’ll look back at this time with great fondness.”
Alternative nominations for the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor were submitted by the Liberal Democrats but were not carried by the majority vote.
Lib Dem leader Cllr Paul Edgeworth offered his best wishes to the new Mayor, adding:
“If you chair meetings fairly and impartially, which I’m sure you will, you’ll have our full support.”
The annual meeting and mayor-making ceremony was broadcast live via Sunderland City Council’s YouTube channel and is available to view here.
