Oxford City Council has announced that Councillor Louise Upton is set to become the new Lord Mayor of Oxford for 2025/26. Alongside her role as Cabinet Member for Planning and her long-standing position as Cycling Champion, Cllr Upton is also a Trustee of Oxford Preservation Trust, serving on our Heritage Committee.

As Lord Mayor, Cllr Upton will take on a wide range of civic duties, from leading Oxford’s Remembrance service to school visits and charity events throughout the year.

The announcement was made by Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, during a Council meeting on Monday, 27 January. She also confirmed that Councillor Mike Rowley will serve as Deputy Lord Mayor, while Councillor Andrew Gant will take on the role of Sheriff of Oxford for 2025/26.

The traditional Mayor Making ceremony, where the new Lord Mayor, Deputy, and Sheriff will be formally sworn in, will take place at Oxford Town Hall in May.

Born in Shropshire, Cllr Upton first came to Oxford to study Biochemistry at New College, where she captained the university’s Women’s Football Team. She later earned a PhD in Cell Physiology from University College London and pursued a career in neuroscience research, working in Paris before returning to Oxford, where she has taught and conducted research for 25 years.

Elected to Oxford City Council in 2013, Cllr Upton represents Walton Manor ward and has been a passionate advocate for cycling and sustainable planning. We are delighted to see an OPT Trustee take on this important civic role and wish her every success for the year ahead.