Leaving school at 15, he worked successfully in retail management for 25 years. His work has taken him all over the world and he was actually working in Berlin when the Berlin Wall came down.

Leon became a Councillor in 1993, representing Aspley Ward, and still continues to do so.  He says working with the community is the most gratifying part of the job. During his political career he has held some senior positions, being Chair of Leisure Committee in 1999 and then Executive Member for Culture and Community in 2001, before moving to be Portfolio Holder for Adult Services in 2007.

Leon was the originator of the Core Cities Culture Group, which shares ideas and good practice within the major cities in England outside of the capital including fellow members of the Euro Cities Culture Forum. He also created the Open and Green Spaces Group which has helped develop policy on issues relating to the use of public space in the city.

He has represented the Council as a member of The Local Government Association and The Local Government Information Unit, although his favourite is the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), an association which advises 280 local authorities on a wide range of issues and lobbies National Government, the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly on behalf of its members. Leon was national chair of APSE during 2007.

Leon has enjoyed an interesting life.  He has travelled extensively around the world, using various modes of transport including planes, trains and automobiles, as well as the occasional horse or canoe. His most ambitious project to date was cycling across the United States of America whilst taking in parts of Canada and Mexico. He has also cycled in Britain, Europe and Rottness Island off the west coast of Australia.

Leon has a partner, Jonathan, who is of Mauritian, Scottish and Irish origin. Their Civil Partnership was held in the Council House in July 2006. Jonathan is a Cambridge graduate, former local government officer and professional fundraiser for the Voluntary Sector. Then, eight years ago, he decided to do something totally different and became a comedian.

Leon will share his year with his friend Adela as the Lady Mayoress.  They both enjoy meeting people and welcome everyone to the great city of Nottingham, and, having been Sheriff and Sheriff's Lady previously, they are both looking forward to their year of office.

The Lord Mayor's Lady

Is Adela Hampson.  Adela was born in Nottingham and was educated at Robert Shaw School, Glaisdale School and Bilborough College. She studied English and Archaeology at the University College of North Wales before moving to London to work for an oil exploration company. She then returned to Nottingham, has two children and is now a proud grandmother.

Whilst bringing up her children Adela helped to run the family business and worked for Nottingham City Council for eight years in research roles, as PA to Executive councillors with a variety of portfolios and also as PA to a Corporate Director, thus providing her with a real insight into Local Government.

Adela is a keen supporter of the Arts and has a great interest in history and culture, especially of Nottinghamshire. She is also a sporty individual and a bit of a daredevil. She has parachuted more than once, but now confines her extreme sports to her Wii Fit and following F1 racing.