2. The Lord Mayor & Deputy
The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor & The Deputy Lord Mayor
Lord Mayor of Exeter – Councillor Gemma Rolstone
Gemma is a highly accomplished Early Years Teacher and a passionate champion of the Early Years Sector. With over 25 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to nurturing young learners, supporting their development, and advocating for excellence in early childhood education.
As Director of her family business alongside her sister, Gemma plays a leading role in providing care and education to over 500 families each week, while also mentoring apprentices and training staff within the Early Years profession.
A devoted mum of two, Gemma draws constant inspiration from her role as a parent, which enriches both her professional work and her commitment to community service. She is also a dedicated volunteer, having proudly served as a Games Maker at the London 2012 Olympics, volunteered at the Rugby World Cup 2015, supported Paris 2024, and continued her involvement with the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 at Exeter’s home venue, celebrating and championing women’s sport.
Gemma was elected to represent Topsham Ward in 2024 and is proud to serve her local community. Her first introduction to local politics came much earlier, in 1993/94, when she served on the Devon Youth Council while attending St Luke’s High School.
Although Cornish by birth, Gemma has spent almost all of her life in Exeter. She completed her degree through the Open University and gained her PGCE through the University of Exeter.
Outside of work and civic life, Gemma is a devoted Exeter Chiefs supporter and can often be found at Sandy Park, walking her pug Hugo in one of Exeter’s beautiful parks and open spaces, or at home being kept in line by her two rescue cats, Maestro and Millie. She also treasures time spent with her large family of five sisters, 12 nieces and nephews, and five great-nieces and great-nephews.
Gemma proudly served as Deputy Lord Mayor in 2025–2026.
Deputy Lord Mayor – Councillor Lucy Haigh
Lucy is a proud Exonian and prouder still to call Heavitree home, where she lives and serves residents as an elected councillor. A strong believer in putting people before politics, Lucy was successfully elected in 2024 as an Independent Councillor, offering a clear and truly local voice. She is also Co-Leader of the Equity Independent Group alongside Councillor Hughes.
Her work is centred on supporting people across the community, particularly those who may face challenges in accessing services or ensuring their voices are heard. As a councillor, she regularly works with residents on a wide range of issues, including housing, funding for community groups, community safety, council tax concerns, litter picks, access to public services, as well as practical matters such as water leaks and potholes. Much of this involves helping people navigate complex processes, raising concerns with the relevant organisations, and ensuring that local experiences are properly reflected in decision-making.
Lucy is also a Trustee of a local housing charity that provides accommodation for residents aged over 55 within some of Exeter’s most historic housing. This role complements her wider commitment to supporting residents and understanding housing needs across the community.
Alongside casework, she is actively involved in broader community campaigning, particularly around accessibility for residents with disabilities, including guide dog users and visually impaired residents. Her focus is on ensuring lived experiences are properly heard in local discussions and committee decisions, especially when it comes to the design of public spaces and local services.
Before becoming a councillor, Lucy worked as an ESOL teacher, supporting adults whose first language was not English. This included teaching in a nursery setting, where parents could learn while their children played—an environment that provided a wonderful opportunity to see people grow in confidence and become more connected within their communities. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics and Law, which has proved valuable in understanding council statutory responsibilities.
Earlier in her career, Lucy worked in a professional environment involving product management, cross-team collaboration, B2B working, and handling data and financial information. This background continues to inform her practical, organised, and down-to-earth approach to council work.
Married to a Cornish man and fiercely proud of her children, Lucy draws on both her parenting and councillor experience as a constant source of learning. She encourages open conversations around mental health and disability and regularly advocates for greater understanding, compassion, and inclusion.
Outside her formal roles, Lucy remains closely involved in the local community. She is a familiar face at the Heavitree Free Library on a Friday morning, usually with a cuppa in hand, and is often seen walking her dog around the ward. She also volunteers with gardening at St Michael’s Church and supports local groups such as the Heavitree Food Bank.
Reading remains a firm favourite, particularly historical literature relating to the South West, and she enjoys spending time in her garden nurturing flowers, vegetables, and her much-loved fruit trees. Inspired by the Carbon Literacy Trust, she has also been digging—quite literally—a little deeper into composting and finding ways for her family to reduce black bin waste.
Councillor Haigh is honoured to be representing Exeter and its residents during this special civic year.