Meet the new Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees

Councillor Stephen Richardson is the new Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees for 2025 - 2026. 

He was officially installed at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Annual General Meeting today (April 2), replacing Councillor John Gardner at the end of his Mayoral year.

Born and raised in the Borough, Councillor Richardson attended Fairfield Junior School, before going on to study at Grangefield School and Stockton Sixth Form.

He was first elected in the Grangefield ward in 2016 and elected in the Fairfield ward in 2023.

In his Mayoral year, Councillor Richardson's partner, Sophie Craig, will be the Mayoress. Sophie has had a successful career in Human Resources within Stockton and both Sophie and Councillor Richardson live within the Fairfield ward with their young family. 

Councillor Richardson's chosen charities will be the Moses Project and Butterwick Hospice.

He said: "I am honoured to become Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead, representing the people of Stockton-on-Tees and working closely with my chosen charities.

"I went with the Moses Project as a chosen charity as they have a fantastic track record of providing guidance, mentoring and support to hundreds of males with past and current addictions to drugs and alcohol, as well as giving hope to those that are in need.

"Of course, the Butterwick Hospice also has a long and proud history in the area, which is why I was keen to give it support. It's a charity that supports many local residents at one time or another and provides such a valuable service within Stockton-on-Tees.

"I am really looking forward to the year ahead and attending the various events around the Borough, as well as offering my support to small local businesses.

"As I am a young age to be Mayor, I hope to inspire future young Mayors of the Borough!"

This year's Deputy Mayor is former Council Leader, Councillor Bob Cook, who represents the Norton North ward. The Deputy Mayoress is Councillor Cook's wife, Sandra.

The retiring Mayor, Councillor Gardner, raised £37,332.90, which amounts to £18,666.45 for each of his chosen charities, Parkinson's UK and Leo's Neonatal.