Councillor Chewe Munkonge has been announced as Oxford’s next Lord Mayor, becoming the first Black person to hold the city’s highest civic office. The nomination was confirmed at a meeting of Oxford City Council on 23rd March by council leader Sudan Brown. Mukonge is expected to take up the largely ceremonial role for the 2026/2027 civic year, subject to his re-election in May.
Munkonge, who represents Quarry and Risinghurst ward, was first elected to the council in 2014 and currently serves as Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford, as well as the council’s Small Business Champion. He also serves as the Central Administration Officer of the Oxford Trust, where he supports “all the operations of The Oxford Trust and Science Oxford’s events and education activities”. Outside politics, Munkonge works as a Central Admin Officer for a local charity and previously served as a governor at The Swan School between 2019 and 2025.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford typically undertakes over 300 engagements annually, including leading the city’s Remembrance Sunday service and attending royal visits, and supporting organisations. During his term, Munkonge has chosen Sobell House and St Theresa as his official charities. Sobell House Hospice is a local charity that provides specialist support for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
The Lord Mayor role is a politically neutral position appointed annually by Oxford City Council, typically at its Annual Meeting in May. By convention, it is offered to the longest-serving councillor who has not previously held the office.
Alongside Munkonge’s appointment, Councillor Louise Upton, the outgoing Lord Mayor, has been named Deputy Lord Mayor, while Councillor Linda Smith will serve as Sheriff of Oxford.
In a press release statement, Munkonge said: “I am deeply humbled and truly honoured to be chosen as the next Lord Mayor of Oxford… As the first Black Lord Mayor of our city, I stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way, and I hope to be a source of inspiration for future generations.”
