Councillor Chris Cullwick to return as Lord Mayor of York for the 2023/24

Cllr Chris Cullwick, Liberal Democrat ward Councillor for Huntington and New Earswick, has been nominated to become the Lord Mayor of York for the 2023/24 year following a meeting of Full Council this evening (15th December 2022).

Cllr Cullwick undertook the role during the 2021/22 year, which was considerably impacted by the pandemic. Despite this, throughout his time in the role, he took every opportunity to thank and support York’s key workers and all those who helped the city through the pandemic.

Chris has lived in York since 1984 and served as a Liberal Democrat Ward Councillor for Huntington and New Earswick since 2015.  He has been instrumental in establishing numerous initiatives in the city, including Foodbanks, Street Angels, York Schools and Youth Trust (Yo-yo), Family Matters, Spurriergate Meeting Place and the One Voice Trust (a network of churches). 

Ordained in the Church of England for over 40 years, he has served most of this time in York, including ten years as a chaplain to the city whilst based at York St John University Chaplaincy  

His wife, Joy, a retired psychotherapist and retired University lecturer, will become the Lady Mayoress.  They have two sons and four grandchildren.  

Cllr Cullwick has chosen Cllr Sue Hunter to serve as Sheriff, with her partner Nigel as Sherriff’s Consort.

Cllr Hunter, Liberal Democrat councillor for Westfield ward, was born in York and has lived in Acomb for most of her life. Sue runs the local award-winning florist Floral Elegance and is involved in the local trader’s association.

Cllr Chris Cullwick, the Lord Mayor-elect of York, said:

“The Lord Mayoralty of York is one of the oldest and most prestigious civic posts in the country, so it is a great honour to be nominated as the Lord Mayor of York, with my wife Joy as Lady Mayoress.

“There’s no denying that Covid impacted our previous year in office, but I am very proud of the work were able to carry out in the city – be that fundraising for our chosen charities, thanking volunteers and communities or supporting the reopening of the city as it bounced back from the pandemic. I am looking froward to now continuing this work and supporting the city and residents, many of whom are facing a challenging time. 

“I am delighted that Cllr Hunter will be my nominated Sheriff, with her partner Nigel, as her Sherriff’s Consort. Sue has been a Councillor in the city for many years now and has contributed a great deal to York and the local business community. We will do our utmost as a team to support the city and our communities.”

Cllr Sue Hunter, the Sheriff-elect of York, added:

“I am honoured and grateful to have been chosen by Chris to join the civic team next year. I know that the role comes with a lot of responsibilities and big shoes to fill.  

“I am very much looking forward to an enjoyable and eventful year in this historic office representing our city and promoting positive change.”