The Lord Mayor is the first citizen of the City of Stoke-on-Trent.
Councillor Steve Watkins is the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent for 2025/26 and his Lady Mayoress will be his wife, Lynn Watkins.
Born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent in 1958, Steve Watkins has deep roots in the city's history, with family ties to its pottery industry and engineering. Growing up in Bentilee and Abbey Hulton, and attending local schools and church, Steve's connection to his community was evident from a young age. His early experiences, from youth club adventures in the Lake District to serving as a ward councillor and supporting local initiatives, laid the foundation for his ongoing commitment to Stoke-on-Trent.
Steve's professional life has been diverse, starting with an engineering apprenticeship before a 25-year career at Royal Doulton, where he became a Union Representative. Following this, he pursued a degree in Graphic Design and a PGCE in Education, leading to freelance work and later a garden design business. A former reservist with a passion for charitable causes, Steve now serves as a Councillor for Abbey Hulton and is the current Lord Mayor, dedicated to promoting the city's talents and supporting its communities.
As Lord Mayor and first citizen of this great city, his role is to promote and support our Centenary year and be at as many of the planned events as possible, to promote the skills and talents of different neighbourhoods and businesses in our diverse and inclusive city and hope that as many residents as possible join in with the celebrations.
He feels that Help for Heroes is a natural choice for him as Armed Forces Champion as one of his Lord Mayor’s charities along with the National Literary Trust Stoke and Saltbox CareLink.
Do you have a special celebration? We would like to hear about your birthday and anniversary celebrations. If you would like a personalised card from the Lord Mayor for a 90th, 95th, 100th birthday or a Diamond or Platinum Wedding Anniversary, please let us know. Please allow 14 days’ notice so that we can ensure that the card arrives on time.
The Deputy Lord Mayor for 2025/26 is Councillor Joan Bell and her Consort is her husband, Dennis Bell. Where the Lord Mayor is unable to attend, you will be given the opportunity to have the Deputy attend your event.
You can invite the Lord Mayor to your event using the contact details below.
Elections and Member Support Team
To invite the Lord Mayor to your event, or for advice about the correct etiquette when attending an event with the Lord Mayor.
Telephone: 01782 232751 / 01782 237169 or email: lord.mayor@stoke.gov.uk.