Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
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Leeds Beckett alumna becomes Lord Mayor of Leeds
Born and bred in Leeds, Councillor Dowson completed a BA (Hons) Service Sector Management in what is now the School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Leeds Beckett, as a mature student. She has been a local Councillor, representing the Chapel Allerton ward, since 2004.
As the first citizen of Leeds, it is the role of the Lord Mayor to represent, speak on the behalf of, and act in the best interests of all citizens and communities of Leeds. The Lord Mayor meets with citizens, supports communities, promotes the city and welcomes visitors. She will also attend events which celebrate the contribution of organisations from all sectors to the life of the city of Leeds.
Councillor Dowson’s husband, Alan Bellhouse, will act as her Consort during the Mayoral year.
Speaking about her appointment as Mayor, Councillor Dowson said: “I feel immensely proud to be given the opportunity to represent our great city as Lord Mayor over the next year.
“As someone who was born and raised in Leeds, to have the chance to be Lord Mayor is a huge honour. My husband Alan and I cannot wait to start our new roles and meet some of the wonderful people who live in the city through our engagements.
“As well as my civic and ceremonial role, the Lord Mayor’s charity this year is Candlelighters. This is a Leeds-based Yorkshire charity helping children and families cope with childhood cancer. I knew I wanted to help a smaller charity and Candlelighters came instantly to mind. We are looking forward to raising lots of money to support the very special work that they do.”
Speaking about her time studying at Leeds Beckett, Councillor Dowson said: “After missing out on a university education when I left school, it was wonderful to finally get there as a mature student in my 40s. I found the other students were the best part of the course: they were so encouraging and supportive of each other and of me.
“After my degree I went on to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in local government modernisation. Having a degree and a post-grad qualification certainly gives you confidence. I find that my qualification is relevant to my role. I deal with large amounts of data, tight timescales and a stressful environment. University gave me the confidence and strategies to handle this and everything that comes my way. Our three wonderful universities in Leeds provide the backbone to the city. They bring in students who often choose to stay in our wonderful city, creating enterprising and innovative businesses and working in our fast-paced industries here in Leeds.”
Councillor Dowson’s first event as Lord Mayor of Leeds was opening the Meanwood Festival Gala. She said: “It was lovely talking to residents who organise this on a voluntary basis for the benefit of the community. Leeds has some wonderful residents, many of who volunteer to help others. I do hope I will be able to meet and thank as many as possible.”
Offering advice to our students, and speaking about Leeds as a student city, Councillor Dowson said: “Enjoy your student years, make lots of friends, never neglect your studies and try not to leave everything to the final day. Leeds is the most wonderful, friendly and diverse city. It has everything you could want: art, culture, sport, excellent shopping, great industries and businesses; and is only 15 minutes to the beautiful Dales.”
Councillor Jane Dowson spent more than six years working in the city’s children’s services directorate. She is a passionate supporter of the Leeds bid to be the European Capital of Culture in 2023 and for the city’s pledge to become a child-friendly city.
You can follow the Lord Mayor on Twitter @LordMayorLeeds