When Rap Hit the Council Chamber: The Story Behind Sunderland's "Rapping Councillor"

On 22 January 2025, politics in Sunderland looked very different.

During a full council meeting at City Hall, Hendon councillor Stephen Lewis Elms put down his notes, stepped up to the microphone – and delivered his entire speech as a rap.

Local press described it as a possible world first for a council meeting, with the moment quickly picked up online and shared thousands of times.

Celebrating Sunderland's Music City status

The debate was focused on Sunderland's newly confirmed status as a Music City, recognition that puts the city in the same international network as places like Manchester, Berlin and Sydney.

Rather than give a traditional speech, Stephen used rap – the artform that first gave him a voice – to celebrate the achievement and to shine a spotlight on the reality facing today's artists.

In his self-penned piece, he:

• Highlighted how streaming platforms have made it harder for musicians to earn a fair income
• Pointed to the impact of Brexit and rising costs on touring and live performance
• Called on the council to back local creatives and put culture at the heart of Sunderland's future

Coverage in the Sunderland Echo noted how his dual life as a performer and councillor gives him a unique understanding of the pressures facing artists, and how that authenticity came through in the chamber.

A standing ovation – and a viral moment

What happened next underlined just how powerful the moment was.

As Stephen finished his closing lines and thanked the Mayor, the chamber broke into sustained applause, with councillors across the political divide joining in. Reports described a standing ovation, cross-party praise, and the Mayor responding with a single word: "WOW."

Clips of the performance were quickly shared by local media, including video from the Sunderland Echo and other platforms, with social posts describing it as "not often you get a rap at a council meeting."

Why do a rap in the council chamber?

In interviews and posts following the meeting, Stephen set out his reasoning clearly: politics can't afford to stay stuck in the past.

He has repeatedly argued that if councils want to reach younger people, creatives and those who feel ignored by traditional politics, they have to be bold, brave and innovative in how they communicate.

For Stephen, rapping in the chamber wasn't a gimmick. It was about:

• Matching the energy of Sunderland's new Music City status
• Showing that the council takes culture seriously
• Proving that political spaces can reflect the communities they serve
• Using his own skills as a rapper and writer to get across a serious message in a memorable way

The reaction beyond Sunderland

The rap didn't just stay within the four walls of the council chamber.

The speech led to coverage in local media, radio and online platforms, as well as interviews reflecting on what it means for political communication and for Sunderland's cultural ambitions.

On social media, residents, artists and fellow councillors shared the clip with comments praising:

• The pride shown in Sunderland
• The focus on fair treatment for musicians
• The courage to try something completely different in a formal political setting

Some dubbed him "the rapping councillor", a label that reflects both his musical background and his willingness to do politics differently.

More than a one-off moment

Since that night, Stephen has continued to build on the impact of the rap:

• Developing the speech into a full track, blending hip-hop with orchestral elements
• Exploring collaborations with local musicians and cultural organisations
• Using his platform as a councillor to keep arts and culture firmly on the political agenda

The Music City rap has become a symbol of what Sunderland is trying to do: celebrate its creativity, support its artists, and show the world a city that isn't afraid to innovate.

For Stephen, it marks a defining point in his journey from performer to politician – proof that the two worlds don't have to compete. Instead, they can work together to give a powerful voice to the people and places that need it most.