Behind closed doors, a handful of senior figures direct Bradford’s future — controlling budgets, shaping policies, and deciding which voices are heard. These are the individuals at the top of each department, paid from public money, and it’s your right to know exactly who they are and what they’re responsible for.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe — Leader of the Council
Ward: Windhill & Wrose (Labour)
Role: Leader of the Council & Corporate Portfolio Holder
Background: Council Leader since 2016, she directs Bradford’s overall strategy and sits on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Focus: Budget priorities, regeneration, transport, education.
Lorraine O’Donnell — Chief Executive
Role: Chief Executive of Bradford Council
Background: Senior local government leader, appointed in 2022 after serving as CEO of Durham County Council.
Focus: Day-to-day running of the council, leading the Corporate Management Team, ensuring policies are delivered
Steven Mair — Strategic Director of Corporate Resources
Role: Oversees finance, HR, legal, and customer services.
Background: Experienced public finance officer with responsibility for Bradford’s multi-million-pound budgets.
Focus: Financial stability, governance, and corporate services.
Richard Crane — Acting Strategic Director of Children’s Services
Role: Leads Bradford’s children’s social care and education services.
Background: Specialist in children’s safeguarding and education improvement.
Focus: Protecting vulnerable children, improving schools, meeting Ofsted requirements
Richard Crane — Acting Strategic Director of Children’s Services
Role: Leads Bradford’s children’s social care and education services.
Background: Specialist in children’s safeguarding and education improvement.
Focus: Protecting vulnerable children, improving schools, meeting Ofsted requirements
Richard Crane — Acting Strategic Director of Children’s Services
Role: Leads Bradford’s children’s social care and education services.
Background: Specialist in children’s safeguarding and education improvement.
Focus: Protecting vulnerable children, improving schools, meeting Ofsted requirements
Richard Crane — Acting Strategic Director of Children’s Services
Role: Leads Bradford’s children’s social care and education services.
Background: Specialist in children’s safeguarding and education improvement.
Focus: Protecting vulnerable children, improving schools, meeting Ofsted requirements
Richard Crane — Acting Strategic Director of Children’s Services
Role: Leads Bradford’s children’s social care and education services.
Background: Specialist in children’s safeguarding and education improvement.
Focus: Protecting vulnerable children, improving schools, meeting Ofsted requirements
