Deputy Mayor's biography

Deputy Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Councillor Jannine Morrow

I was born in Leeds in 1957. When I was 7 years old, my Mam and Dad told us we were going on an adventure, and we moved to Australia, where we lived for a few years. Upon returning to Leeds, I attended William Gascoigne High School.

After leaving school, I began my working life at the Post Office as a switchboard operator, which is now known as British Telecom.

While working for the Post Office, I came to Sunderland for four weeks—this is where I met my husband, George, in 1977. I moved to Sunderland in 1981 and have proudly called it home ever since. Together, we have three grown-up children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

I became interested in politics at a very early age and became actively involved as a Trade Union representative for the Union of Communication Workers (UCW).

After spending some time at home raising my children, I joined Durham County Council, where I worked as a Customer Services Officer for 26 years.

Becoming Deputy Mayor has been a great honour for me, and I feel very proud to be able to represent our wonderful City of Sunderland, while continuing to work for the residents in the ward of Southwick.