A long-serving councillor who has spent two decades in local politics has taken on a new civic role.
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, who became the first woman to lead Durham County Council, now begins her term as Mayor of Durham for 2026/27.
Cllr Hopgood has served as a parish councillor since 2017 and was a district councillor from 2005 to 2009, before becoming a county councillor when Durham County Council unitary authority was formed in 2009.
Over the next year, she hopes to use her civic role to help raise money for Point North, which works with local communities to fight poverty and enrich residents’ lives, and the Durham-based St Cuthbert’s Hospice.
Cllr Hopgood said:
“I am extremely honoured to become the Mayor of Durham. It is an amazing privilege to serve as Mayor of my home city. I’m looking forward to working with many organisations and groups over the coming year, meeting our amazing residents, visitors and businesses as well as raising funds for my chosen charities to help them continue their vital work.”
Born and raised in Durham City, Cllr Hopgood spent more than 20 years working for the Halifax bank, many of them as a mortgage advisor.
She left her position in 2008 to become a full-time county councillor, serving as leader of Durham County Council from 2021 to 2025. She continues to represent the Newton Hall area and act as trustee and director of several organisations within the local community.
Amanda has two grown-up children with her husband, Neil Hopgood, who she has been married to for 33 years and who will support her in her civic duties.
She will also be supported by Cllr Eric Mavin, who will serve as Deputy Mayor for 2026/27.
