Cllr Mark Hunter appointed as Mayor of Stockport

Former leader of Stockport Council and Cheadle MP from 2005 to 2015, Cllr Mark Hunter, has been appointed as Mayor of Stockport for 2026/27.

Cllr Hunter (pictured alongside wife, Rachel) has lived in Stockport for more than 35 years and was first elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor in the borough in 1996, representing Marple North until 2005. He served as Leader of the Council from 2002, until 2005 when he was elected as MP for Cheadle in a by-election, a role he held for 10 years until 2015. He was reelected to Stockport Council as councillor for Cheadle Hulme South in 2016. In 2022, he once again was made Leader of the Council, becoming the only person to have served non-consecutive terms in the role. He stood down as Leader in 2025, and remains a councillor for the Cheadle Hulme South ward.

Cllr Mark Hunter will serve as Mayor of Stockport until the end of the Civic Year in 2027, alongside his wife, Rachel Hunter, who becomes Mayoress.

Commenting on his appointment as Mayor of Stockport, Cllr Mark Hunter said:

“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.”

This year, the Mayor of Stockport has selected two Stockport charities to back through the Mayor’s Charity, which will be supported by fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

Mayor of Stockport, Cllr Hunter, explained:

“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.”

The two chosen charities are:

• 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