The Lord Mayor

Lord Mayor 2023-2024: Councillor Gerry Barker

Councillor Gerry Barker was installed as Lord Mayor of Bradford on 23 May 2023.

Born in Leeds, he was educated at Cross Flatts Primary and Junior Schools, Parkside Secondary Modern School and Central High School.

Gerry served as a police officer from 1971 until 2007, when he retired. He has been married to Jean for 45 years and they have a son Paul, and a daughter Heather.

Over the years he has travelled abroad frequently on holiday and devotes much of his spare time to looking after his tropical fish, as well as writing, reading, playing computer games and enjoying retro TV and movies.

Interestingly, Elvis Presley was instrumental in his meeting his future wife, Jean. Always an Elvis fan, Gerry realised that Presley’s record company RCA had a distribution depot on his regular beat and he would sometimes call in if time allowed to check out the new releases. Jean worked in the office there and the two soon hit it off, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Gerry is a member of MENSA, an ordinary member of the Consumers’ Association and is a Freeman of the City of London.

He has no allergies or dietary requirements, prefers tea to coffee and enjoys soft drinks, as he is virtually teetotal.  He holds close to his heart the work of the NSPCC and for many years has also supported the work of Cancer Research. 

His favourite flower is the white rose of Yorkshire.

Lady Mayoress, Mrs Jean Barker

Jean was born in Leeds and was educated at Beeston Primary School, Cross Flatts Junior School and Hillside Secondary School.

Now retired, she worked as an office worker and as a dental receptionist. Married to Gerry for 45 years, they have a son Paul, and a daughter Heather.

Jean has holidayed around the world, visiting America, Australia, Brazil and various European countries on her travels. 

Jean supports the work of Cancer Research and animal welfare charities. In her spare time she enjoys craft work, reading, jigsaws and gardening. She likes to keep healthy and enjoy life.

Jean prefers tea to coffee, has an allergy to lamb but no other dietary requirements and enjoys a glass of rosé wine. Her favourite flowers are daffodils.