Councillor Sharon Thompson

Sharon Thompson’s story begins with her experience as a homeless teenager, which has shaped her drive and determination to bring about social change. In 2010, Sharon made a conscious decision to change her life in a decade. Since drawing up a life plan, Sharon has received numerous national awards for her contributions to social change and politics. She has held senior leadership positions and served as a magistrate, and since 2014, has been an elected Councillor for the City of Birmingham.

Sharon has held several non-executive director positions. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on political engagement, homelessness, housing, women in leadership, and Black, Asian, Ethnic Minorities in Leadership. Her presentations are practical and inspiring, challenging audiences to develop their leadership skills both personally and professionally through self-leadership.

In May 2023, Sharon was appointed Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, the very first ethnic minority to hold the position in our city. As Deputy Leader, Sharon also holds the Cabinet portfolio for skills, jobs and apprenticeships, strategic partnerships and Cost of Living. She shares major sporting events with the Leader and is the WMCA portfolio Holder for Levelling Up and Devolution.

In May 2024 she was reappointed Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills. The new portfolio enables her to continue her work on major sporting events, skills, jobs, apprenticeships, Cost of Living, Levelling Up and Devolution. In addition, she has political leadership responsibility for the international promotion of the City and inward investment, promotion of the City with partners such as West Midlands Growth Company.

On a more local footing the portfolio includes responsibility for development of BIDs, land use planning such as Local Development Plans and Neighbourhood Plans. Alongside oversight of  major physical regeneration and infrastructure projects in the city and engagement with key economic growth partners, partnerships, and investors.

In June 2024, Sharon was appointed Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority. She is the first woman to hold the post and whilst supporting the Mayor, she primarily focuses on the skills agenda.