A former delivery driver, with a history of raising money for charity, has become the city’s new mayor.
Cllr Gary Hutchinson was officially appointed to the role during the annual Mayor Making Ceremony at Durham Town Hall.
Born in Durham City, Cllr Hutchinson has lived in the village of Bowburn all his life and is the youngest of three and has two sisters. He has two children, who both attend local schools, and one granddaughter.
His working career started at the age of just 14, where he worked in a butcher’s shop. Since then, he has had a varied working career from his time working at Black and Decker and PSI Global, where he worked for 20 years, to his most recent post as a delivery driver for numerous companies.
Cllr Hutchinson decided to stop his delivery driver career to allow him to dedicate his time to being a county councillor for Bowburn and Coxhoe.
He met his wife Pamela Hutchinson 26 years ago when she moved to Bowburn and they have since been married for 21 years. Pamela works in the community supporting vulnerable adults, which she has done for more than 20 years.
Due to his close links to the community, Cllr Hutchinson has become involved in several local causes and raises money for numerous charities.
He has chosen St Cuthbert’s Hospice as his nominated charity during his year in office.
“It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed as Mayor of this great city and to be able to support my chosen charity, St Cuthbert’s Hospice.
“I am looking forward to working many local organisations and representatives of this wonderful city during my year in office.”
Cllr Hutchinson
Cllr Amanda Hopgood will serve as Deputy Mayor for 2025/2026.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Durham are elected by the city’s Charter Trustees, who help ensure the continuation of civic traditions in Durham.
