Councillor Chewe Munkonge has been named as the next Lord Mayor of Oxford, Oxfordshire, making him the first Black person to hold the role in the city’s 800-year history. The announcement was made by Councillor Susan Brown, the Leader of Oxford City Council, during a meeting on 23 March 2026.
The official ceremony is set to take place in May 2026 at the Oxford Town Hall. His appointment is subject to him winning his seat again in the upcoming local elections on 7 May 2026.
Mr Munkonge grew up in Zambia and moved to the UK in 2003 before moving to Oxford in 2008. He has served as a councillor for the Quarry and Risinghurst ward since 2014 and currently works as an admin officer for a local charity.
The Lord Mayor carries out more than 300 community events every year, such as visiting schools and leading the annual Remembrance Sunday service. Mr Munkonge has chosen Sobell House Hospice and St Theresa as his official charities to support during his time in office.
Councillor Louise Upton will serve as the Deputy Lord Mayor and Councillor Linda Smith will take the role of Sheriff for the 2026/27 year. Like the Lord Mayor, these roles are also subject to the results of the local elections in May 2026.
