Councillor Chewe Munkonge has been announced as the new Lord Mayor of Oxford – the first Black person to hold the office.
In the ceremonial role, Councillor Munkonge will carry out a wide range of civic engagements, from leading Oxford’s Remembrance service to school visits and charity events.
The Lord Mayor also raises money for charity during their year-long term of office. Councillor Munkonge has chosen Sobell House and St Theresa to be his Lord Mayor’s charities for 2026/27.
Councillor Chewe Munkonge grew up in Zambia. He moved to the UK in 2003 and then to Oxford, to be closer to his wife, in 2008.
He has an MBA from Oxford Brookes University and works as a Central Admin Officer for an Oxford-based charity.
He was first elected to Oxford City Council in 2014 and represents Quarry and Risinghurst ward. He currently serves as Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford, and as the Council’s Small Business Champion.
Councillor Susan Brown, the Leader of Oxford City Council, made the announcement at the Council meeting last night (23 March).
She also announced that Councillor Louise Upton will be the Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford, and Councillor Linda Smith will be the Sheriff of Oxford for 2026/27.
Councillors Munkonge and Upton’s civic roles are subject to their re-election in May.