Councillor Mike Rowley to become first openly gay Lord Mayor

The announcement was made at a council meeting by Oxford City Council leader, councillor Susan Brown.

Mr Rowley, also the first neurodivergent Lord Mayor of Oxford, will be entrusted with more than 300 engagements during his 2024/25 tenure.

These will vary from leading Oxford's Remembrance service to visiting schools and attending charity events.

Mr Rowley has chosen Yellow Submarine, Seesaw and Love Barton as is Lord Mayor’s charities.

He said: "It's a tremendous honour and privilege to be nominated to be Oxford's next Lord Mayor.

"Councillor Lubna Arshad will be a really hard act to follow, but I will do my very best to represent and celebrate the diverse community of the Oxford I love.

Councillor Lubna Arshad was appointed Lord Mayor at a traditional ceremony at Oxford Town Hall on May 17, 2023 (Image: Oxford City Council)

“Our city has a great history and continues to lead the way in many respects, having shown over the pandemic the depth of its resources of innovation and solidarity."

At the same meeting, it was revealed that Councillor Tiago Corais will serve as deputy Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Oxford will be councillor James Fry, subject to the upcoming election.

The traditional mayor-making ceremony, scheduled for May 16, will be held at the Oxford Town Hall.

The outgoing Lord Mayor, councillor Lubna Arshad, will formally pass on the chains of office to Mr Rowley.

Mr Rowley has been serving the Barton and Sandhills ward since his election to the city council in 2010.