The Mayor of Stockport for 2026/27
Councillor Mark Hunter
I am a councillor for Cheadle Hulme South Ward and live in the heart of Cheadle Hulme with my wife, Rachel. I have a son and a daughter, and we are proud grandparents to Teddy, River and Isla.
I have lived in Stockport for more than 35 years. Originally moving to Marple Bridge, I was elected as a Stockport councillor in 1996, representing Marple North until 2005. In 2002, I became Leader of the Council, a position I held for 3 years until 2005, when I was elected as Member of Parliament for Cheadle at a by-election and had the privilege of representing Cheadle constituency in Parliament for 10 years.
In 2016, I became a councillor for Cheadle Hulme South, where I work closely with my colleagues, Cllr Helen Foster-Grime and Cllr Keith Holloway on many different community issues. In 2022, I was again made Leader of the Council. Before stepping back as Leader in 2025, I played a key role in the transformation of Stockport town centre, driving an ambitious regeneration programme which has helped to put Stockport back on the map, and working tirelessly with other parties to progress our forward-looking agenda.
It has been great to see the positive changes made receive so much national recognition. I have always believed that Stockport is greater than the sum of its parts. That's why our work to ensure healthy and vibrant town and village centres in all our communities remains vital.
It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I accept the honour of being selected as Mayor of Stockport for 2026 to 2027. To serve the borough and its residents in this role is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Stockport is a place with a rich heritage, vibrant communities, and a strong sense of identity, and I am truly humbled to represent it.
I look forward to working alongside residents, partners, and colleagues to celebrate all that makes Stockport special, while continuing to support our communities and promote kindness, inclusion, and civic pride. It is a genuine honour to serve, and I am committed to carrying out this role with dedication, enthusiasm, and respect for everyone who calls Stockport home.
With many years of public service behind me, I still believe politics is the best way to change things for the better and that most people who get elected do so for the right reasons – to make a difference for the people they represent. I remain a committed Liberal Democrat but have always worked alongside people of all parties and none to serve the public to the best of my ability.
As council leader I met so many people from across Stockport who, either by circumstance or intent, play a vital role caring for family, friends and others in their community. That's why my wife Rachel and I have chosen 2 care-focused organisations to benefit from the Mayor's charity this year:
- Moya Cole (formerly St Ann's) Hospice, which provides compassionate end of life and respite care
- Signpost for Carers, an independent local charity which supports carers of all ages and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year
Outside of politics, my main interests are family and football. I am also an avid reader, both fiction and non-fiction, and usually have a couple of books on the go at any one time.
I am delighted to have been chosen as Mayor for the Civic Year 2026 to 2027. It is a great honour.