Mayor of the City of Derby
Mayor of Derby
The Mayor of the City of Derby is Councillor Jonathan Smale.
Jonathan is Derby born and bred, carrying a deep-rooted passion for the city, its rich history, and the vibrant communities that define it. First elected to Derby City Council in 2016, he has proudly dedicated a decade of public service to representing local residents, previously serving the Chaddesden Ward and currently championing the community of Spondon.
Over his distinguished career in local government, Jonathan has brought energetic leadership and thorough governance to the chamber. He has driven positive change across a variety of crucial council portfolios, including holding key roles as a Cabinet Member and Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee.
Beyond the Council, Jonathan’s commitment to community life shines through his extensive work in the voluntary sector. He has spent years actively supporting a diverse range of local organisations, initiatives, and charities, with a particular focus on public service and community advocacy. He currently serves as a trustee for the Derby War Memorial Village, helping support local veterans and housing management, and has previously lent his governance expertise as a director for West Park School in Spondon, Community Action Derby, and several local disability and cultural organisations.
Jonathan is proudly married to his husband, Adam. Away from his civic and professional duties, he is a keen Derby County enthusiast and loves nothing more than spending quality time at home with Adam and their bulldog, Victoria.
Grounded, approachable, and fiercely proud of his hometown, Jonathan enters his mayoral year determined to be a proactive ambassador for Derby. He is deeply honoured to represent the citizens of Derby for the 2026–27 municipal year, aiming to promote the city as a premier place of excellence to live, work, and do business.
This year the Mayor’s charities are:
Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre – Charity number 218063
The Living Recovery Foundation – Charity number 1211996
Deputy Mayor
The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Richard Hudson.
Richard was brought up in the Breadsall Hill Top area of Derby and was proud to be elected in 2016 to represent the community where he was born and raised. He first represented the former Derwent Ward and now serves the residents of Chaddesden North Ward.
Over the last decade, Richard has used his extensive network of community contacts to help bring life and energy to the area. His support for St Philip’s Church and Roe Farm Community Centre has provided lasting benefits for local residents. Across the community, many people know Richard personally or through his family and friends.
During his time on the Council, Richard has brought a unique blend of personality and attention to detail that has proved valuable to the governance of the city. He has served on a wide range of Council committees, including as Chair of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Board and Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee. Alongside his council duties, Richard has continued his professional career managing and directing high-level marketing projects across the country.
Richard continues to live in the Breadsall Hill Top area with his partner of 21 years, former Councillor James Testro. They are both sociable people who enjoy entertaining friends and family at their home. They also enjoy travelling and attending live music events both in the UK and abroad.
Richard considers it both an honour and a privilege to represent the community where he was born, raised and continues to live, and to serve as Deputy Mayor of the City of Derby for the current municipal year.