It is a bit confusing. Honestly, if you walk into Oxford Town Hall asking for the person who "runs" the city, you’re probably looking for the Council Leader. But the Mayor of Oxford UK—technically the Lord Mayor—is someone else entirely. It’s a distinction that trips up locals and tourists alike. One person handles the spreadsheets and the political infighting; the other wears a massive gold chain and represents the soul of a city that has been around since the Saxons.
Right now, that person is Councillor Mike Rowley. He took the chains in May 2024.
He isn't a "Strong Mayor" like you see in London or New York. He doesn't have a veto. He can’t unilaterally decide to tear up a road or change the bin collection schedule. In the UK’s weird and wonderful local government hierarchy, the Lord Mayor is a "First Citizen." It’s a ceremonial role. Think of it as being the city’s ultimate ambassador, a living link to a history that stretches back more than 800 years.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford UK: Not Your Average Politician
The history is heavy.
Oxford is one of only 30 cities in England that actually has a Lord Mayor rather than just a regular Mayor. This isn't just a fancy title for the sake of it. It was granted by letters patent, a formal nod from the Crown that acknowledges Oxford's status as a top-tier historic hub. When you see the Mayor of Oxford UK at a parade, they are draped in scarlet robes and topped with a tricorne hat. It looks like something out of a period drama because, well, it basically is.
The selection process is purely internal. You don't vote for the Lord Mayor on a ballot paper. Instead, the City Council elects one of its own members to serve a one-year term. It’s usually a reward for long service or a way to honor a councillor who has done a lot for the community. Mike Rowley, for instance, has been a councillor for Barton and Sandhills for years. He’s lived the local life. He knows the estates just as well as he knows the dreaming spires.
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There's a Deputy Lord Mayor and a Sheriff too. Yeah, a Sheriff. Oxford still has one. They aren't out there chasing bandits on horseback, but they are part of the "Civic Office" that keeps the city's traditions breathing.
What do they actually do all day?
It’s exhausting work if you do it right. The Mayor attends hundreds of events. One morning they might be opening a primary school’s new library, and by evening they are hosting a visiting dignitary from one of Oxford’s twin cities, like Bonn or Grenoble.
They chair the full council meetings. This is where it gets tricky. They have to remain impartial. Even though the Mayor is a politician from a specific party (Rowley is Labour), once they put on that chain, they are supposed to be above the fray. They keep the peace during heated debates about Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs) or housing developments.
Common Misconceptions About the Office
People often get the "Lord Mayor" confused with the "Chancellor of the University." They are totally different. The University of Oxford is its own beast. The Lord Mayor represents the city, the "Town" side of the "Town and Gown" divide.
Another big mistake? Thinking they have a massive budget.
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They don't.
The Lord Mayor has a small allowance for expenses—mostly for the charities they support during their year in office. Every Mayor chooses a few local causes to champion. For the current term, the focus has been on things like the Archway Foundation, which tackles social isolation, and the Oxford Cutteslowe Community Association. It’s about using the "soft power" of the office to shine a light on people who usually get ignored.
Why the Role Still Matters in 2026
You might think this is all just expensive cosplay. Why bother with robes and maces in a digital age?
Well, Oxford is a city built on continuity. When a new business moves into the Westgate or a tech startup launches in Headington, having the Mayor of Oxford UK show up to cut the ribbon matters. It signals that the city, in its official capacity, recognizes that contribution. It’s a bridge between the ancient university heritage and the modern, gritty, working-class reality of the city.
The Mayor also acts as a guardian of the City’s plate—a massive collection of silver and historical artifacts kept in the Town Hall. This isn't just "old stuff." It represents the rights and freedoms the people of Oxford fought for over centuries against various monarchs and over-reaching barons.
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The Political Side: The Council Leader
If you actually want to talk about policy, you’re looking for the Leader of the Council. Currently, that’s Councillor Susan Brown. She holds the "real" power—budgets, strategic planning, and negotiations with the national government.
If you're writing a letter of complaint about a pothole, send it to the Leader or your local ward councillor.
If you’re inviting someone to celebrate a 100th birthday or open a community garden, you call the Lord Mayor.
How to Interact with the Mayor’s Office
Believe it or not, the Mayor is surprisingly accessible. They aren't locked away in a castle.
- Invitations: Anyone can technically invite the Lord Mayor to an event. You just have to fill out a form on the Oxford City Council website. They prioritize events that are inclusive and benefit the local community.
- The Town Hall: You can actually visit the Mayor’s parlor on certain open days. It’s full of oak paneling and smells like old books and polish.
- Charity Events: The easiest way to meet the Mayor is to support their annual charities. There are usually dinners, walks, or auctions throughout the year.
The role changes every May. That’s the beauty of it. Every year, a new face brings a new perspective to the chains. Whether they are focusing on homelessness, climate change, or youth services, the Mayor of Oxford UK remains the personification of the city’s identity.
Practical Steps for Residents and Researchers
If you are looking to get involved with civic life in Oxford or need to contact the Mayor's office for official business, follow these steps:
- Check the Current Incumbent: Always verify who is currently holding the office on the official Oxford City Council "Lord Mayor" page, as the term ends every May.
- Protocol Matters: If you are hosting the Mayor, there is a specific way to introduce them. They should be addressed as "Lord Mayor" or "My Lord Mayor."
- Direct Contact: For invitations, use the civic office email (civicoffice@oxford.gov.uk). Don't just "show up" at the Town Hall expecting an audience; their schedule is usually booked months in advance.
- Distinguish the Issue: Before reaching out, decide if your issue is ceremonial (Mayor) or political/administrative (Council Leader). This saves everyone time and gets you to the right person faster.
Oxford isn't just a museum; it's a living city with complex needs. The Mayoralty is the thread that keeps the history and the future tied together.