Cllr Chewe Munkonge is set to become the first Black Lord Mayor of Oxford, following an announcement made at a full Council meeting this week.
The ceremonial role, which typically involves more than 300 engagements per year, will see Cllr Munkonge lead civic events ranging from Remembrance Sunday services to school visits and charity fundraising throughout 2026/27. He has chosen Sobell House and St Theresa as his Lord Mayor's charities for the year.
Cllr Louise Upton will serve as Deputy Lord Mayor, and Cllr Linda Smith as Sheriff of Oxford. Cllr Munkonge and Cllr Louise Upton’s appointments are subject to the May local elections.
The formal handover will take place at the traditional mayor making ceremony at Oxford Town Hall in May, when the outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Upton, will pass the chains of office to Cllr Munkonge, with the bells of Carfax Tower rung to mark the occasion.
Cllr Munkonge, who grew up in Zambia and moved to Oxford in 2008, has represented Quarry and Risinghurst ward since 2014 and currently serves as Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford.
