Councillor Karen Allison has been appointed as the new Mayor of Kirklees for 2026/27, following today’s Annual Council meeting.
The appointment was made during the council’s Annual Meeting, commonly known as “Mayor Making”, where councillors formally confirm the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the year ahead. The ceremony marks an important moment in the civic calendar and reflects the council’s democratic process.
The Mayor plays an important civic role, representing Kirklees at events across the district, supporting local communities and raising awareness of charitable causes throughout their year in office.
Cllr Allison was first elected to represent Newsome ward in 2014 and has been re-elected twice since. Before becoming a councillor, she worked for Kirklees Council for 23 years in the Estates service, giving her a strong understanding of the organisation and the communities it serves.
Since her election, she has been an active ward councillor, supporting residents with local issues and concerns. She has also taken on wider roles, including serving as Business Manager for the Green Group and contributing to local organisations such as the Lawrence Batley Theatre Board and the Newsome Centre Management Committee.
Outside of her council role, Cllr Allison is closely involved in the local community. She volunteers as a wardrobe mistress for Longwood Theatre Productions and supports young people as a Squirrel Scout Leader with Newsome 45th Scouts.
Cllr Allison lives locally with her husband Mark and is a proud parent and grandparent.
As Mayor, she will spend the year meeting residents, attending civic and community events, and championing the borough across Kirklees and beyond.
Invite the Mayor to your event, business, school or community group
Inviting the Mayor is quick and easy to do. Simply fill out the form using the link below:
It helps to give the Civic Office as much notice as possible, so arrangements can be made.
The Mayor would be delighted to receive invitations to your events, no matter how large or small, so the sooner you can tell us about them, the better.