The Mayor is the Civic Head of the Council. In May of each year, one of the Councillors is elected to serve as Mayor for one year and another elected as a Deputy. The Mayor chairs meetings of the Full Council and represents the city at ceremonial occasions. The Mayor also welcomes international visitors and attends events organised by local people.

The Mayor for 2021/2022 is Councillor Stephen Hodgson

Stephen Hodgson has lived in Worcester for over 30 years, moving to the city in 1990. He was brought up in North East England, graduating from Northumbria University. Throughout his career, he has worked in the logistics industry and is currently employed by a major dairy based in Droitwich.

Stephen has been a city councillor for Warndon Parish North since 2004.  His wife is Councillor Lucy Hodgson, who represents the neighbouring Warndon Parish South Ward and was herself Mayor of Worcester in 2008/9. This is the first time a married couple have both served as mayors of Worcester.  Stephen and Lucy live in Warndon Villages and both serve on Warndon Parish Council.

Worcester’s new Mayor is a keen supporter of Worcester Warriors and has previously travelled to many European away games. He is also a fan of Durham County Cricket Club and Sunderland AFC, reflecting his native ties to the north east.

Stephen regularly attends services at St. Nicholas Church in Warndon, and his co-chaplains will be Rev. Diane Cooksey and Rev. Rosie Moss – both from this church.

Stephen’s great uncle was Ernest Tinkler, who was Chief Constable for Worcester City Police for many years. His son, Ted Tinkler, played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club and is listed as player 284 on the Basil D’Olivera stand at New Road.

Cllr Hodgson’s theme for the mayoral year ahead will be ‘Coming Together,’ as the city emerges from the pandemic and people reconnect with one another. Stephen’s two nominated mayoral charities are Aspie, a self-help and motivation group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome; and the Stoke Association.  Stephen’s wife Lucy suffered a stroke earlier this year but is making a good recovery.

Councillor Adrian Gregson is Deputy Mayor for 2021/2022

Past Mayors of Worcester Since 1999

2020/2021 – Jo Hodges

2019/2020 – Allah Ditta

2018/2019 – Jabba Riaz

2017/2018 – Steve Mackay

2016/2017 – Paul Denham

2015/2016 – Roger Knight

2014/2015 – Alan Amos

2013/2014 – Pat Agar

2012/2013 – Roger Berry

2011 – 2012 – Dr David Tibbutt

2010 – 2011 – Mike Layland

2009 – 2010 – Andy Roberts

2008 – 2009 – Lucy Hodgson

2007 – 2008 – Stephen Inman

2006 – 2007 – Ian Imray

2005 – 2006 – Aubrey Tarbuck

2004 – 2005 – Allah Ditta

2003 – 2004 – Gareth Jones

2002 – 2003 – Robert Rowden

2001 – 2002 – David Clark

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2000 – 2001 – Mary Drinkwater

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1999 – 2000 Josephine Hodges

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