Her outfits have been described as 'iconic'. But Manchester's Lord Mayor has left her mark as the city's first citizen over the last year in more ways than one.
Associated with regalia, the ceremonial role sees one councillor represent the city at civic events, parades and ceremonies each year. But during her tenure, Labour's Donna Ludford often ditched the mayoral robes and feathered hat.
At every occasion, the Clayton and Openshaw councillor who grew up in foster care and was moved around many of the city's council estates since she was six months old, has worn the Lord Mayor's chains which date back more than 130 years. But beneath them, she put her own spin on the clothes she chose.
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Leading Manchester's annual Walk for Women in March, the Lord Mayor was dressed in purple, reflecting the colours of the Suffragettes movement. At the opening of the new Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery at the Manchester Museum last month, all her clothes were red and white – a nod to China's flag.
And for St Patrick's Day, she wore green, of course. The mayoral gowns made an appearance at more formal events – council meetings, parades and awards.
But whenever there has been a chance to wear one of her 30 hats of different colours, Donna has jumped at the opportunity. "When I was young," she said, "my foster mother used to make men's suits and I used to wear male suits with ties and I always wore a hat – so I was always different from everybody else.
"Obviously, four kids later, and that goes. You wear tracksuits and things.
"But I was in town one day and I'd seen this woman who had a hat on and I thought, 'she looks fabulous'. So I went into a shop, bought a hat and they've bred ever since."
The 54-year-old says the 'statement' outfits are often the first thing people mention when they meet her – especially children, who often ask questions like 'Are you rich?', 'Do you live in a big mansion?' and 'What car do you drive?' School visits - including to Haveley Hey and Parrs Wood where she was a pupil herself - have been a highlight for the Lord Mayor, who aims to inspire children.
'Our Year', a council campaign to make 2022 the 'Year of the Child', was the perfect opportunity for Donna to get her message across. During the lockdown, she wrote a memoir about her life in Manchester's care system.
Originally written for her children, the first-hand account of her experience growing up in care has now been turned into a book. Titled 'From Care to Lord Mayor: Juggling in the Dark', she hopes it will be out by the end of the year.
Trying to tackle the 'stigma', Donna says her story has resonated with others who have grown up in the care system. But the Lord Mayor hopes her story has inspired children and young people from all backgrounds across the city.
"From my point of view," she said, "it's about breaking down the barriers about what the Lord Mayor is. To say to young people you can aspire to be anything.
"From where I grew up in the foster care system to being the Lord Mayor of Manchester and starting off as being a cleaner at Manchester City Council, to being a caretaker, to a youth worker and working your way up – when I tell that story, it gives a bit of hope to young people, especially if they've come from difficult backgrounds. I just wish I could have gone to every school in the city."
Every day is different, Donna says, but a typical one involves two to four events with community groups, volunteers and civic leaders. This year though, has been packed with Royal occasions, including a visit from King Charles himself.
The Lord Mayor greeted the new monarch at Manchester's Victoria Station before he was 'whisked off' elsewhere. She also met Princess Anne, Prince Edwards and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh over her tenure, which included the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee, her funeral and the coronation.
But the 'queen' Donna was most excited to meet was Sharon Osborne. Visiting a community centre in Manchester where she celebrated her aunt's 100th birthday, the TV personality was dressed in purple – just like the Lord Mayor.
The Lord Mayor's year also included a trip to Portugal where she met the mayor of Castelo Branco and a visit to the Vatican where she met the Pope. 'Crying the whole way through,' Donna described this 'incredible' experience as 'one of the most emotional, spiritual and enlightening things' she has ever done.
Looking ahead, Donna hopes to continue speaking at schools and at events for people who have grown up in care. Telling her story helps others, she explains, but it is also part of her own healing process and serves as a form of 'therapy'.
As for the outfits, Donna has been asked if she will auction them off – but she wants to keep them all. "Since being at the council I've always made sure I look smart coming into the town hall for meetings," she says. "It's a statement."
Donna stands down as Lord Mayor on Wednesday (May 17) at Manchester's annual council meeting. Labour councillor Yasmine Dar is set to replace her.
Read more of today's top stories here.
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