Cllr Jane Ashworth OBE

Jane became Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council in May 2023, when the Labour Group won the all-out municipal elections.  She was first elected to represent the historic Burslem ward in 2019.

Prior to retiring and taking on the elected councillor role, Jane was the founding Chief Executive of the StreetGames charity.  StreetGames began life in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in 2001 and went on to be the umbrella organisation for community projects which use sport for community renewal and community development all over the country.

Preceding her work on StreetGames, Jane worked for Sport England for nearly a decade, and for Newcastle upon Tyne, Knowsley, and Salford councils in youth, play and community strategy roles.

In the early 90’s Jane was the founding Chair of the Northern League of Women’s Football.

Jane attended both Durham University and Leicester University, where she concentrated on her love for all things sport.  So it’s not surprising that Jane’s hobbies include playing tennis and supporting Manchester United.  Aside from her interest in sport, she also enjoys playing low grade Bridge.