Cllr Amanda Hopgood

Cllr Hopgood was Leader of Durham County Council from May 2021 – May 2025. She was honoured to be selected to lead the cross-party Joint Administration and made history by being the first ever female Leader of the Council. Since May 2025 she has been the leader of the opposition.

She is a trustee and member of several organisations within her ward. She is also a director for Durham County Cricket Club and sits on the executive board of the Local Government Association where she is also the national lead member for the Children, young people and families committee.

Amanda was a signatory to the establishment of the North East Mayoral Combined Authority where when she led the council she held the portfolio position of Culture, Tourism, Sport and the Arts.

Prior to becoming a councillor Amanda worked for a major High Street bank as a mortgage adviser for 20 years. She is a director of a not-for-profit childcare provider.