Councillor Chewe Munkonge has been announced as the new Lord Mayor of Oxford, becoming the first Black person to hold the ceremonial position.
In his role, Munkonge will oversee civic activities such as the city’s Remembrance service, school visits, and charity events. He will also lead fundraising efforts during his one-year term, with Sobell House Hospice and St Theresa’s selected as his official charities for 2026/27.
Born and raised in Zambia, Munkonge moved to the United Kingdom in 2003 and settled in Oxford in 2008. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Oxford Brookes University and works as a Central Administrative Officer for a local charity.
He was first elected to Oxford City Council in 2014, representing Quarry and Risinghurst ward. He currently serves as Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford and as the council’s Small Business Champion.
Council leader Susan Brown made the announcement during a council meeting held on March 23. She also confirmed that Louise Upton will serve as Deputy Lord Mayor, while Linda Smith will take up the role of Sheriff of Oxford for the 2026/27 term.
The appointments of Munkonge and Upton remain subject to their re-election in May.
