Councillor Mark Lygo, was elected the new Lord Mayor of Oxford on February 24th, taking over from the incumbent, Councillor Craig Simmons.
The selection for the new civic holders was made at a Full Council meeting at Oxford City Council. Further elects were the current Sheriff Councillor Stephen Goddard, who will take over the role of Deputy Lord Mayor from Councillor Mohammed Altaf-Khan. The former will be replaced by a new Sheriff, Councillor Dick Wolff.
Lygo will officially take on his role as the new Lord Mayor during the Mayor Making ceremony in this coming May.
Lygo said: “I am delighted to have been selected as Lord Mayor of Oxford. It is a privilege and an honour to be chosen to represent my city.” He currently resides in Headington with his wife and two teenage daughters, having been born and raised in Oxford.
Councillor Lygo has been involved with the local council for almost 18 years. Lygo was first elected to Oxford City Council in 2008, representing Churchill Ward.
Since then, he has served in numerous positions across the civic board. Lygo has served as a Board Member for Sports, Parks and Events for five years and is currently the Council’s sports
champion.
Lygo has also sat on a number of committees including Planning, Licensing and Scrutiny whilst at present he sits on two outside bodies, the Bullingdon Community Association and Oxford Sports Council.
Lygo is also a serving County Councillor and has represented Marston and Northway division since his election in 2003.
During his term in office, Lygo hopes to champion causes which he expressed an affinity for in his civic history. Community, volunteering, and well-being initiatives have been prioritised by Lygo, and he further hopes to encourage local people to embrace a more active and healthier lifestyle.
Away from council duties, Lygo is a keen supporter of grassroots sports and culture; he is currently Chairman of Quarry Rovers FC, a local referee and a dedicated supporter of Oxford United FC.
The Lord Mayor represents the Council at civic and ceremonial events. They promote the city, the council’s initiatives, support Oxford’s organisations. The Lord Mayor undertakes over 300 engagements a year, covering a diversity of events. The post is ceremonial, with no political power. The political head of the City Council is the Leader of the Council.
