Councillor Heather Fletcher, Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford 2025 to 2026
Heather was born at Hope Hospital now known as Salford Royal. She grew up with her parents, Renita and Neville Fletcher and sister, Stephanie, in the Kersal and Broughton Park area and has lived in this ward for 50 years in total. Her late father, originally from Dublin, was a well-known and respected GP in Ordsall.
At 11 years old Heather won a scholarship to Manchester High School for girls where she spent seven happy years. Her education continued when she studied Law at Birmingham University and subsequently qualified as a Solicitor. She worked for a decade as a family law Solicitor.
Thereafter, Heather worked for 20 years in another branch of the legal profession as a Law costs draftsman preparing bills of costs for other Solicitors. For 15 of these years she ran her own Law costs drafting business which gave her fulfilment and pride.
Heather intended to spend the final 13 years of her working life drafting legal bills but legal aid reductions and other adverse government policies relating to legal costs rendered this impossible. After 33 years in the legal profession Heather was unsure what else she could do.
In 2013 Heather's friend, Afzal Khan MP, suggested she change career direction like himself and switch from law into politics and become a local Councillor. Initially she rejected this idea but changed her mind a year later. In 2016 Heather was elected as a Labour Councillor representing Swinton South (Park) and was re-elected in 2021 and 2024 increasing her majority each time. She enjoys working for the friendly, amiable Swinton people.
Whilst a Councillor, Heather has served as chair of Swinton Heritage Group and chair of Holocaust Memorial Day planning committee. She has been the deputy chair of Licensing for six years.
Her main outside interest is interfaith work. Heather has been on the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester Executive since the organisation's formation 20 years ago. She has been the Jewish co-chair for the past ten years and along with the Muslim co-chair, Mohammed Amin, has organised 170 diverse events bringing Muslim and Jewish people together from all over Greater Manchester. She views this work as essential especially in current challenging times.
Heather's other hobbies include watching football, amateur dramatics, sightseeing holidays and doing oil painting by numbers. She has supported her favourite football team, through thick and thin, for 52 years and used to watch them regularly at their stadium but now mainly watches them on TV!
Heather appeared in productions for the Jewish Theatre Company and PADOS and once did a comedy routine at the Comedy Store for charity! Heather has visited most European capital cities.
Heather is very honoured to be taking the role of Ceremonial Mayor and is looking forward to the year ahead. She is confident she will be ably assisted by her Consort, her nephew Max. His parents, Stephanie and Jonathan and sister Indie will be supporting them both whole heartedly. Heather hopes many people attend and enjoy her varied charity events to raise funds for her three worthy charities.
The Ceremonial Mayor has chosen to support the following charities:
Salford Loaves and Fishes
This charity brings together a wealth of experience and expertise working with homeless, vulnerable and isolated people in the city. They have supported many people, embracing, empowering and offering hope to those in need.
Critchley Community Hub – Age UK
The award winning Critchley Community Hub, Social Centre and Garden Café welcomes people to make new friends, learn a new skill, and enjoy a speciality coffee and cake or a homecooked lunch all in bright and modern surroundings or our pleasant and landscaped outdoor gardens.
At Critchley Community Hub, we encourage healthy living, group activities, and gentle exercise. They also offer volunteering opportunities to help to alleviate social isolation and loneliness.
L’Chaim (Foodbank)
Here at L'chaim Foodbank, we know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a little support. Since our founding, for over a decade, we have been determined to make an impact. A single goal drives the core of our efforts, providing a safety net for those in the most vulnerable position. To do our part in making the world a better place for all.
As well as providing food, clothing and household support, the Foodbank has been there to offer help and moral support. Also acting as a signposting hub, the Foodbank has helped people confused about what additional assistance is available and where to find it. If not able to help directly, the Foodbank is there to signpost or have a friendly chat and reduce loneliness.
This page was last updated on 21 May 2025