Oxford’s first black mayor is announced by council

The Labour city councillor for Quarry and Risinghurst will carry out a wide range of civic engagements during 2026/27, from leading Oxford’s Remembrance service to school visits and charity events.

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, made the announcement at the full council meeting on Monday night.

READ MORE: Marshals to help with traffic during road closure

She also announced that Louise Upton will be the deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford, and Linda Smith will be the Sheriff of Oxford for 2026/27.

Mr Munkonge and Ms Upton’s civic roles are subject to their re-election in May.

Labour city councillor Chewe Munkonge (Image: Oxford City Council)

Mr Munkonge, who has represented Quarry and Risinghurst for the past 11 years, said: “I am deeply humbled and truly honoured to be chosen as the next Lord Mayor of Oxford.

“Having had the privilege of representing the people of Quarry and Risinghurst for the past 11 years, this moment carries great personal and civic significance.

“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.

“Oxford is a city of remarkable history, diversity and opportunity, and I am proud to serve a community that continues to inspire and lead.

“I look forward to championing our communities, supporting local charities, and representing Oxford with dedication, integrity and pride throughout the coming year.”

Mr 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 holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University, graduating in 2012, and works as an admin officer for an Oxford-based charity.

Mr Munkonge has chosen Sobell House and St Theresa to be his Lord Mayor’s charities for 2026/27.

The three councillors will be sworn in at the traditional mayor making ceremony in Oxford Town Hall in May.

The ceremony will see the outgoing mayor, Ms Upton, officially step down and hand over their chains of office to Mr Munkonge.

The bells of Carfax Tower will then be rung by the Oxford Society of Change Ringers to commemorate the ceremony.

The Lord Mayor generally carries out more than 300 engagements each year. These cover a wide range, from Royal visits to community group meetings and charity events.

The first recorded mayor of Oxford is Laurence Kepeharme, 1205-1209.

Mayors’ names stretch in an unbroken line until 1962, when the dignity of the Lord Mayor was granted to Oxford by the Queen.