Timperley councillor Jane Brophy, the longest-serving member of the Liberal Democrat group on Trafford Council, has been appointed Mayor of Trafford.
Cllr Brophy, who represents Timperley North ward, first entered local politics in 1994 when she was elected to represent Village Ward.
After taking a five-year break while her children were young, she returned to the council in 2003 and has been a constant presence in Timperley politics ever since.
Speaking at Trafford's annual council meeting, Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Shaun Ennis praised her dedication and mentorship of new councillors. "After a 25-year wait, our group is very excited to see one of our own take on this marvellous opportunity for all of Trafford," he said.
"One of the things I've always admired most about Jane is the way she supports new people. Right from the moment we first met, she was welcoming and supportive."
Ennis added that he and his colleagues "would not be here without her", highlighting her crucial role in developing the Liberal Democrat presence on the council.
Cllr Brophy's appointment makes her only the second Liberal Democrat mayor of Trafford this century, with the last being appointed in the millennium year of 1999/2000.
A Timperley resident for over 30 years, Cllr Brophy studied Biochemistry at the University of Leeds before training as a nutritionist and dietitian.
She moved to the area in 1990 to work as a researcher for The Vegetarian Society when it was based in Altrincham. Her career has been firmly rooted in health and nutrition, culminating in her role as a diabetes dietitian at Wythenshawe Hospital until her retirement in August 2024.
Her political career has extended beyond local government. Between 2019 and 2020, she served as Member of the European Parliament for the North West of England, sitting on the Employment & Social Affairs Committee and the Delegation to Brazil. She has also stood for Parliament as the Lib Dem candidate in Altrincham and Sale West, most recently in 2024.
Environmental issues have been a particular passion throughout her tenure. Known as an original "Green Lib Dem," she has championed climate change action and biodiversity protection for decades. She was one of the first UK Woodland Trust councillor tree champions and has brought forward numerous environmental motions, including promoting 20mph zones across Trafford.
She was a founding member of Friends of Pickering Lodge Park and Friends of Moss Park Gardens, initiated early litter picking activities in Timperley, and recently re-ignited the Timperley Civic Society. The group is currently fundraising to bring Christmas lights back to Timperley Village.
Cllr Brophy has also served as a school governor for several local schools, including Altrincham College and three primary schools in the area.
As Mayor, she will be supported by her husband of 39 years, retired computing professional John Brophy, who will serve as consort. The couple, who met through university in Leeds and have three grown children. Their oldest son, who has life-long complex needs, has recently settled into supportive living.
The new mayor has chosen three charities to support during her year in office: ME Society, Trafford Carers and Nature's Best, which helps parks friends groups.
