Councillor Chris Harper has been elected as the 140th Mayor of Peterborough during the annual council meeting held on 18 May 2026. The appointment at Peterborough City Council follows the local elections that took place earlier this month.
Councillor Harper, who represents the Stanground South ward for the Peterborough First party, has served on the council since 2011. He will hold the mayoral position for a one-year term ending in May 2027. His wife, Rita Harper, will serve as the Mayoress for the same period.
The council also appointed Councillor Andrew Bond to serve as Deputy Mayor, while Councillor Jade Seager will take on the role of Deputy Mayoress. These appointments were confirmed one day after the newly elected council members first gathered following the ward elections on 7 May 2026.
Throughout his upcoming year in office, Councillor Harper has confirmed he will support three local charities: the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Peterborough Women’s Aid, and Little Miracles. The position of mayor, which dates back to 1874, is an annual appointment within the city.
Further details regarding the council’s leadership and councillor information can be found through the official council democracy portal.
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